Guiding Principles

This document outlines a set of guiding principles for public dialogue on science and technology-related issues.

The guidelines have been developed by the Government through its Sciencewise-ERC programme, in collaboration with policy makers, practitioners, academics and representatives of the scientific and business communities working in the areas of science policy and public engagement.

The guidelines are compatible with the Government’s code of practice on consultation (published January 2004), and provide more detail on the Government’s proposed approach to public dialogue set out in the Science & Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014 (published July 2004).

The guidelines provide the basis of dialogue activity carried out under Sciencewise-ERC-funded projects. In addition they provide guidance on best practice in dialogue activity, which Sciencewise-ERC recommends be adopted in all dialogue activity. They cover areas such as

• What is public dialogue?
• Why carry out public dialogue?
• Facilitation
• Delivery
• Evaluation

Download the Guiding Principles