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POLICY MAKING IS A GAME
On Wednesday 9th April, a new method of public involvement came of age. The Human Genetics Commission released its report on the over the counter sale of genetic testing kits. They had tapped into the views of the public, fairly conventionally, by commissioning focus groups and an on-line poll. Less conventionally however, they had asked NEF to develop and use DEMOCS, a new way to involve people in political decision making.
DEMOCS stands for Deliberative Meetings Of Citizens. At its heart is a kit that is a cross between a card game and holding a discussion. It enables a group of around six people to come together, absorb information, come to a view and seek common ground, over something . It enables people to debate and come to decisions on complex and perhaps emotive issues that are difficult to reach consensus around, and are difficult to articulate or elucidate a single position on. Already piloted on 350 people around the UK, versions of DEMOCS are now in the works with the GLA to consult on it's ambient noise strategy, and Oxfam used the tool as a way of looking at the complex and interrelated issues around global trade.
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