Translating the Big Society

Social and philanthropic action and citizen involvement in the delivery of services are all things local authorities are being encouraged to increase and encourage.  It is hoped that among other outcomes, this will lead to more effective delivery of public services (tailored to the needs of those who use them) and to happier, healthier and more cohesive communities.

Ipsos MORI’s Local Government Research Unit, with support from the Participation Unit, has been using a range of innovative participatory and deliberative research tools to help local councils involve local citizens and service users in new ways that may not have previously been possible - from budget workshops, sustainable community strategy public events and citizens’ juries, to deliberative-style polling, client immersion exercises (getting the public to try a new experience) and collaborative events between the community and service provider (bi-focal groups).

We can help you to involve local people in service design and delivery through research by designing processes that invite participants to co-operate with service providers, increase their social capital and help you arrive at shared solutions to local problems.