Southwark Council is recruiting a citizens’ jury to support its climate emergency work, with the authority currently contacting a group of randomly selected residents and inviting them to volunteer for the panel.
The jury will meet eight times, between November 2021 and February 2022, to consider the question: 'What needs to change in Southwark to tackle the emergency of climate change fairly and effectively, for people and nature?’
The authority is looking for a diverse group of 25 local people to meet and discuss a topic that is affecting everyone in the borough and to help shape a local response.
No special skills, knowledge or particular views on climate change are necessary.
Members of the jury will hear from a range of experts and be invited to discuss ideas and share opinions, before trying to agree a set of recommendations.
Sessions will initially take place online, with two face-to-face days later in the programme.
Southwark Council said they understand that this is a significant commitment, which could mean time spent away from work and family.
In recognition of this, people who attend all of the sessions will receive £330 in vouchers, while the council will also help to cover the cost of needs, such as childcare, carers’ costs or support with travel.
Commenting, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency and Sustainable Development, Councillor Helen Dennis said:
“The climate emergency is the challenge of our time. We hope that our citizens’ jury will help us to progress the work that is already underway here in Southwark.
“It is important that people across the borough understand the urgency of action, now.
“We hope that this citizens’ jury will help to unite more people and encourage them to share their knowledge and help us to make the changes necessary to safeguard the planet for future generations.”
Watch PSE’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event on demand here.
