When NOT to do public dialogue

Public dialogue should only be done when it has the chance to inform and influence policy decisions. It should not be used in cases where a policy decision has already been made.

Public dialogue is a two-way communication and is therefore not suitable in cases where the sole purpose is to inform the public. There are other methods of public engagement that can do that much more efficiently.

Public dialogue is not intended to gather statistics or representative information about a group. The participants in a dialogue process do not formally represent their geographic area or discipline.

Public dialogue is used to inform policy decisions, not to actually make the decisions. Other methods, such as direct voting, would be more suitable if the aim is to have the public make the actual decision.

A public dialogue process should always be tailor made and fit for purpose. If you want to find out more about whether public dialogue is suitable for your project than please drop us a line at enquiries@sciencewise-erc.org.uk and we will put you in contact with one of our Dialogue and Engagement Specialists.