Foreword

In the Governance of Britain Green paper, the Government expressed its commitment to promoting civic empowerment by examining new ways in which citizens can influence decisions. The Ministry of Justice’s Digital Dialogues project supports this agenda, as it demonstrates by evaluating and showcasing practical examples how government can deliver good quality online public engagement exercises that successfully involve citizens in decision-making processes.

Since December 2005 the Digital Dialogues Project has sought to encourage the use of information communication technology tools by central government; to build the capacity of officials to conduct online public engagement exercises; measure and analyse online participation rates; and investigate the impact of government’s online engagement activities.

The Digital Dialogues second phase report builds on the findings of the August 2006 Interim report and reveals that citizens are keen to receive information directly from officials and participate in online discussions about policies which are important to them and where it is perceived they can influence policy outcomes. The public’s interest in engaging with the government online mirrors the growing use of the internet to communicate with others. The Government recognises this trend and is keen to provide citizens with genuine opportunities to input into the policy development process and shape policy outcomes.

I commend the report’s findings. Although there is a long way to go in embedding the practice of online public engagement across government, the constitutional renewal agenda provides a real opportunity for government to deliver online public engagement exercises based on the practical guidance, achievements and lessons outlined in this report.

The Hansard Society has a deserved reputation for expertise in the field of e-democracy, which is bolstered further by its delivery of the Digital Dialogues project. I also extend my gratitude to the departments, areas, agencies and fellow Ministers who have participated in this fruitful initiative with an open mind, dedication and vigour. The next phase of the project is guaranteed to continue to test the boundaries future government online engagement activities.

Michael Wills MP
Minister of State
Ministry of Justice