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Calderdale Citizens' Panel

Introduction

What is Talkback?

Talkback is a panel of residents who broadly reflect the diversity of Calderdale. It is a large group with 1600 members, all of whom have an opportunity to share their views and ideas about the issues facing Calderdale. The panel is managed by the Corporate Consultation Officer based in the Chief Executive's Office.

Who is on the Citizens' Panel?

The Panel includes people from all backgrounds and all areas of Calderdale. It is designed to be broadly representative of adults across the Borough as a whole although it currently under-represents young adults and people from minority ethnic communities.

How do panel members participate?

Panel members are asked to complete 3 or 4 questionnaires per year. Some members of the Panel have currently elected to complete the questionnaire electronically, the remainder complete hard copy questionnaires. Each questionnaire contains several sections covering a range of different service or quality of life issues. We have also on a number of occasions invited panel members to attend group discussions, workshops or other local consultation events.

Where do the results go?

The results of the surveys are analysed and the Corporate Consultation Officer produces a report highlighting the key findings for the client service. The client service then considers the key findings from the surveys, and develops action plans accordingly. These are used to feedback the results to Panel members (through a Panel Newsletter) along with details of any proposed action that will be taken.

Why have a Citizens' Panel?

The Citizen's Panel helps the Council to see what is important to the residents of Calderdale and how it can go about making Calderdale a better place to live. The panel is designed to include a cross section of local people which provides the Council with a reliable snap shot of public opinion at any particular time. It also provides the Council with a cost-effective way of consulting with residents regularly across a range of service issues. Talkback should be used within the context of a wider consultative programme and not in isolation; it can be viewed as "one tool in the toolbox", performing some jobs well but not appropriate to all situations.

The ‘Talkback’ Newsletter provides feedback of the results of the surveys undertaken and subsequent actions taken. A compendium of Talkback Newsletters for the last two years detailing the feedback and results of the Talkback surveys during this period is provided in the links.

An archive of 'Talkback' Newsletters going back to 2001 is also available on request. For the complete list of available newsletters see Back copies and topics.

For these, or for further information, please contact:

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