This case study is part of a series supporting the toolkit for communicators on citizen participation. Read the full toolkit for communicators supporting citizen participation. The toolkit was created by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Innovative, Digital and Open Governance (INDIGO) Division in collaboration with UK Government Communications.
Process
In 2023, Southampton City Council conducted its inaugural Citizens’ Assembly, focusing on climate change and transportation. This initiative was a collaboration between the University of Southampton, the University of Oxford and Involve, an organisation with expertise in participatory methods.
The assembly brought together a diverse group of 37 residents from across the city who were tasked with developing thoughtful recommendations on how the Council could design a transport Southampton Citizens’ Climate Assembly system that is accessible, affordable and well-connected, while also reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate targets.
Participants were asked to consider how Southampton could create a transport system that balances accessibility and affordability with environmental sustainability and climate goals.
Role of communications
Before the assembly, the Council, the universities and Involve worked together to host five public events in different parts of the city alongside events taking place online. The Council’s communications team supported the preparatory work and helped to frame the question that the assembly would answer.
Outcome
Assembly members created three outputs to guide the next version of the council’s Local Transport Plan: (1) a vision statement for the future of transportation in Southampton; (2) recommendations with priority actions to achieve this vision; and (3) suggestions for funding sources for the council to explore alongside existing resources. The council acknowledged the recommendations and will begin using them to shape the next iteration of the Local Transport Plan.