This project aimed to find out people’s views on the forensic use of DNA, particularly in relation to the information held on the National DNA Database (NDNAD).
For the HGC, the key aims of the project were
- to create, firstly, an environment in which people from diverse backgrounds could come together as a group and develop their understanding of the main issues
- to create opportunities for genuine engagement between those whose voices are rarely heard and easily drowned out, and those who advise governments and set the public policy agenda.
Over a five-week period during Spring 2008, a range of experts attended weekly Inquiry sessions, putting forward their own perspectives on and around the NDNAD. The sessions provided an opportunity for the panels to interact with interest groups, the police, database governance bodies, forensic scientists and journalists. Groups and individuals from across the UK were also able to participate in the Inquiry sessions as audience members, bringing different perspectives and adding flavour to the debate.
The Inquiry involved a range of engagement strategies to support participants and encourage ownership of the process by the panellists; through agenda setting dialogue, role-play, mind-maps, systems thinking models and group discussions the panellists grew in knowledge and confidence throughout the process.
On 13 May 2008, the panellists presented their deliberations at the HGC’s 32nd plenary meeting. The participants will finalise their conclusions, which will then be launched formally in the early part of Summer 2008, along with a report from the facilitators that will draw out lessons from the process.
Results
The results of the Inquiry will feed into the HGC’s report to Government on the forensic use of DNA, expected in early 2009.
