What is the SD Panel?
The Sustainable Development Panel was launched by the in September 2006. There are over 500 members with the aim to have 1000 by 2008. It is a 'stakeholder' panel - i.e. people are selected for their interests and expertise, rather than as representative members of the public.
Why have the panel?
Since April 2006, the SDC has had a strengthened role and increased resources as the Government's adviser and watchdog on sustainable development. To ensure that we do a good job, we want our advice to be informed by a broad range of expertise.
It represents an exciting new way of engaging with stakeholders through a variety of different methods. The main method of online consulting has several benefits:
- it allows for breadth of opinion - we are able to garner views from experts across the UK from different regional, social, cultural and professional backgrounds
- it allows for depth of opinion - The consultations are a two-way process with more than one session to allow for in-depth participant feedback
- it is transparent - a full list of members and participants for each event will be made available
- it is systematic - online consultations have a structured format and analysis process
As well as using the panel's opinions in our policy work, we aim to promote the consultation process across government departments.
What will it be used for?
Panel members' contributions will be used to inform:
- the development of SDC work programmes and strategies including major reviews such as the climate change programme
- national debates on critical issues
We will consult the panel on a range of topics that will span the breadth of our work programme – from transport and housing, to climate change, consumption, local government, health, education and food and farming.
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