In a citizens’ assembly, members of a population come together to learn, deliberate and make recommendations on a specific issue.

There is strong evidence that citizens’ assemblies, when run well generate ambitious, fair policy, activate citizens, and help them to overcome polarisation. They also create informed public debate, and enable politicians to make bolder decisions (and stick by them).

We believe many more citizens’ assemblies are needed to tackle multiple ongoing crises. We’re working with networks across the world to support a global movement of people-powered citizens’ assemblies.

Our definition of “citizens” includes those who are stateless, for example refugees; our definition of “citizens” assemblies’ includes deliberative processes from all traditions across the world.

In order to support systems change, public services need to incorporate the perspectives of people using them. We are carrying out research, developing best practices and leveraging the right networks to create shifts in culture and policy.

We work with local authorities, thought leaders and the public, promoting interactions across public services which build confidence and purpose in the people using them. This is an approach backed up by decades of academic research. It also builds on the success of our 2018 report Good and Bad Help, which was the most downloaded public service report of that year.

Power is undoubtedly at the heart of our many intertwining systemic issues. Not everyone has equal influence over the decisions that create society’s future course.

In addition to this, some types of influence are more obvious and visible than others. We’re aiming to help grow a movement of politicians with the tools and desire to redistribute power. Together, we’ll develop tools for them to transfer power back into the hands of the people they serve.