You can - if you are 18 or over, live in West Dunbartonshire and are interested in giving your views on local services and topics which affect communities such as anti-social behaviour, health issues and much more.
How are people selected for the Citizens' Panel?
We have written to members of the public selected by random from the edited electoral role, inviting them to become members of the Panel
However, we are always looking for more members for the Panel and you can join by filling in the back of this leaflet and returning it in an envelope FREEPOST to:
Why do you want to know personal details about me?
The information we ask for regarding your age, gender, health, housing status and so on helps ensure that there is an even mix of males, females, age groups and other factors.
This information also allows us to analyse the data gathered from any consultation by different categories. We can produce tables and reports based on gender, age, geographical area and so forth. This adds value to the research.
Where do you keep my personal details?
Your details are held on computer under the terms of the Data Protection Act (1998). This means that we will not pass your name or any of your personal details to any non-partner organisations. We also regulate and protect the use of this information within the partner organisations themselves.
Will anyone know what I as an individual have said?
No! All individual responses gathered during any consultation exercise are only identifiable by such things as age, gender, geographical area and like factors. You as an individual will never be identified in any survey findings or reports.
What will I have to do as a Citizens' Panel member?
You will take part in no more than 4 surveys per year. This may be postal surveys, or if you have requested, telephone surveys. You won't be over loaded with questionnaires! Each questionnaire will contain a FREEPOST envelope for return.
We may also hold local discussion groups to speak in-depth to people about certain issues. You will only be invited to take part in this type of consultation if you have indicated you are willing to on the application form.
Will it cost me anything to be a member of the Citizens' Panel?
No. Any surveys we send will have a reply paid envelope enclosed. Should you attend a discussion group, your expenses will be covered.
What happens if I change my mind and don't want to stay on the Citizens' Panel?
Membership is voluntary and you can opt out at any stage.
Just drop us a line, telephone or e-mail and your name and details will be removed from the current membership.
How long will I be expected to be a member of the Citizens' Panel?
We hope that you will be able to serve as a member of the Panel for up to 3 years. This allows us to track people's views on services over time.
How will I know the results of any consultation?
After each consultation and with the next survey questionnaire, you will receive a summary of how panel members responded to the questions.
Once a year you will receive a newsletter from the partner organisations outlining the knowledge gained and what partner organisations are doing in response.
If you would like more information or an application form to join the Citizens' Panel, please contact:
Anne Clegg
Policy Officer
West Dunbartonshire Council
Garshake Road
Dumbarton G82 3PU
Tel. 01389 737177
e-mail anne.clegg@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
