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Listen to this siteWednesday 20 October 2004
This research project will investigate innovative consultation methods to involve citizens in policy making.
Study Duration : July 2002 to November 2004
Contractor : University of Westminster
The first step of this project was a literature review of current practice in the use of innovative consultation methods to involve citizens in policy making. A key finding from this is whether participation is best achieved via existing networks, such as community or consumer groups, or whether participants should be accessed via robust recruitment procedures. Therefore, the research is evaluating contrasting methods of accessing and recruiting participants.
The project is working with low waged workers and young people aged 12-16 years, who are exploring food labelling and school food policies respectively. This study will also allow for the evaluation of innovative consultation methods.
Findings on recruitment methods
The research examined the effectiveness of using different methods to recruit participants. The two methods were a systematic approach using a pre-defined sampling frame and a community based approach using existing networks and contacts in the community.
Both recruitment methods were resource intensive for both workers and young people, but they remained effective in accessing and engaging people, the majority of whom had not taken part in any such consultations before.
In relation to the low-waged workers, community based recruitment proved more effective at targeting particular communities (e.g. specific ethnic groups) and delivering a more diverse sample. The systematic approach to recruitment was more formal and enabled a more precise targeting of specific groups, such as low-waged workers.
For young people, systematic recruitment delivered a school with students from a lower socio-demographic profile than community based recruitment. However, in both groups there was a higher proportion (than the national average) of students receiving free school meals and those from ethnic minority communities.
Findings on consultation methods
The field trials were conducted in two stages. First, participatory methods were used such as mapping, H-diagramming and stakeholder analysis, to access a range of people�s views. In the second stage more deliberative methods were used to identify priorities and plans for action e.g. small groups developed action plans or maps.
The consultation methods were effective in accessing people's views on food policy issues and their flexibility meant that they could be used in a variety of contexts, such as the workplace and classroom.
To use these consultation and recruitment methods required a high level of researcher skill, including an ability to build relationships with potential participants and contacts as well as knowledge of participatory methods.
Findings on food policy
In relation to both food labels and school food policies a wide range of views were expressed, but key themes emerged. In consultations on food labels it was evident that people were interested in food issues and wanted more information on factors like provenance and nutrition. The term 'label' was interpreted widely, with packing and production methods perceived to fall under the labelling remit.
At both schools, the students identified and prioritised issues relating to school food, such as price, food quality and the organisation of mealtimes. In the community based recruitment school, a whole new school food policy and School Nutrition Action Group were established.
Final report is available from the Agency's Information centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email:
infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
).
Contact
: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant programme contact or email:
science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Public involvement in food policy: guidelines for commissioning consultation activities with the hard-to-reach.
These guidelines are intended for those who commission activities with hard-to-reach communities.
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