In projects like this there are always concerns that the process might be biased. Based on a successful model used in Leeds, Kendal Town Council has established an oversight panel made up of the main organisations that are able to influence what happens in the town. The panel meet alongside the jury to ensure the process is fair and unbiased. Members of the panel have also each made a commitment to take action based on the recommendations made by the jury.

This group includes officers and councillors from Town, District and County Council and local MP Tim Farron, as well as representatives from Cumbria Action for Sustainability, South Cumbria Flood Partnership, Labour Party, Kendal Futures, Kendal BID, Kendal Activists Saving the Little Earth (KASTLE), Extinction Rebellion, James Cropper PLC, Frieda Scott Charitable Trust, Designworks, National Farmers Union and Lancaster University.

To date, the Oversight Panel have debated what question the Jury will consider, agreed which experts will present to the Jury for the first three sessions and overseen how the jury is recruited to ensure fairness and transparency. Going forwards the Oversight Panel will support organisations to implement the Jury recommendations and support the evaluation, communication, IT and creative volunteer teams with their objectives.

Kendal’s Citizens Jury will be facilitated by Shared Future an experienced, local, not for profit social enterprise who facilitated both Lancaster and Leeds Citizens Juries.

Listen to Oversight Panel Member Mark Cropper share his reasons for supporting the Citizens Jury here.