Smarter engagement: Harnessing public voice in policy challenges

If government can engage citizens more effectively, it can secure more effective and less divisive outcomes. Four drivers for change make it vital to involve citizens in decisions:

• reductions – the spending review, increased pressure on the NHS and cuts to welfare will require citizens to adapt to leaner or reconfigured services
• infrastructure – much of the UK’s existing infrastructure must be replaced or replenished, but citizens must be convinced of the need for local disruption
• digital – the process of digitisation requires citizens to adapt to new ways of accessing services
• innovation – the way that services are designed and delivered is changing, moving to greater collaboration with citizens.