On Saturday 18 March 1100 people gathered in Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, South Wales and London to debate the future of the nation’s pensions system. The events were linked by satellite enabling participants and Government to develop a national picture on what citizens around the UK feel about pensions and pensions reform.
Opinion Leader Research developed an innovative deliberative research approach to engage the public in the debate. It was the largest and most complex deliberative research project undertaken in the UK, employing 120 facilitators, 75 logistics staff and 50 technicians.
Participants were asked to give their views on the Pensions Commission’s recommendations published at the end of 2005. Pensions and pensions reform can be a challenging subject but one that Opinion Leader believes is particularly suited to a deliberative approach. Participants were given factual information about the subjects to help them understand the choices and tradeoffs; the day long event allowed time for extended debate and scrutiny of the issues; participants were able to reach shared and informed solutions by the end of the day.
Key Government ministers and Pensions Commissioners listened in to the discussions. Participants’ views and conclusions during the day will now be used by the Department for Work and Pensions to inform the white paper due to be published in the Spring.
Deborah Mattinson, joint Chief Executive of Opinion Leader Research said : “This was a ground-breaking venture in the world of public consultation and reinforces our long-held belief that the public’s input can make a real difference to outcomes and transform decision making”.
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Notes to editors
1. Opinion Leader Research is a research-based consultancy offering a range of qualitative, quantitative, deliberative and collaborative methods.
Opinion Leader Research has over 12 years' experience involving the public in meaningful decision-making. Clients include some of Britain's top companies, major charities, media organisations, as well as many government departments and public bodies.
2. The National Pensions Debate is reviewing the findings of the independent Pensions Commission report, chaired by Adair Turner.
The debate concentrates on the options Lord Turner and his fellow commissioners set out. People are being asked to give their views on a package of options including the following elements:
- The basic framework of the State Pension.
- State Pension Age and working longer.
- A national system of personal pension accounts.
- The role of employers in providing pensions.
3. Deliberation enables people to engage in informed, meaningful discussions about issues that have a wide ranging impact.
Over the past fifteen years Opinion Leader has led the way in the development of a range of public participation methods - from citizens' juries and forums to deliberation events involving thousands of people.
For more information please contact:
Justin Doherty tel: 020 7861 3274 / 07976 604 634
Nicki Wilson tel: 020 7861 3226 / 07718 149213
For more information on Opinion Leader Research visit www.opinionleader.co.uk
