What is a citizens’ assembly?
A citizens’ assembly is a group of everyday people who are randomly selected to reflect the whole community. They learn about an issue, hear from experts and people with lived experience, discuss together, and make recommendations to decision makers.
Why use a citizens’ assembly?
Some issues are complex, divisive, or need long-term thinking. Citizens’ assemblies help:
- Bring a wide range of perspectives into policymaking
- Build trust between the public and government
- Create fair, workable solutions grounded in real life and the common good
Has Northern Ireland ever had a citizens’ assembly?
Not yet at a government level, making NI the only part of either the UK or Ireland to not create a formal forum for ordinary members of the public to shape decision making. There have however been civil-society led efforts to introduce citizens assemblies including Involves pioneering Citizens Assembly for Northern Ireland in 2018, and the civic initiative in 2024. Involve is also currently leading the call for a Lough Neagh Assembly
How are people chosen?
Participants are chosen by civic lottery - a random invitation process - and then selected to match the population (age, gender, geography, socioeconomic background, community identity, etc.). No one can sign up themselves or be hand-picked.
Civic lotteries are used within a deliberative democracy process to include ordinary people who wouldn't typically put themselves forward. Protecting their identities follows established best practice for this model, for the same reasons juror identities are protected: to allow participants to deliberate freely, without lobbying or external pressure.
Do participants need to be experts?
No. The aim is to bring in ordinary people, not advocates. Participants receive balanced, accessible information to help them make informed decisions.
How does an assembly work?
A typical process includes:
- Learning — hearing evidence from experts and lived experience contributors
- Deliberation — facilitated small-group discussions
- Decision making — agreeing recommendations
It usually runs over several weekends to allow time for reflection.
Who decides what the assembly looks at?
Usually the government commissions the assembly and sets the question - but the process is run independently to ensure neutrality and fairness.
Are recommendations binding?
Governments are not always legally required to implement recommendations — but they must respond. In many places, governments have committed in advance to act on the outcomes, for example through calling a referendum.
How is balance and fairness ensured?
Assemblies are designed with strong integrity measures:
- Independent governance
- Transparent process and expert selection
- Balanced information and evidence
- Skilled facilitation
- Public reporting of all materials
But Northern Ireland is different - how can a citizens assembly work in a divided society?
Citizens’ assemblies actively bring people from different backgrounds together to build understanding and shared solutions - particularly valuable in a divided society. Civil society initiatives have demonstrated that this approach works here just as well as anywhere else.
Are participants paid?
Yes. People are compensated for their time, and travel and accessibility needs are covered so that everyone can take part.
How are young people involved?
Assemblies can:
- Include 16–17 year olds as full members
- Run youth assemblies alongside the main process to involve children and young people under the age of 16.
- Build on existing youth voice structures (e.g., NIYF, local youth councils)
How does a citizens’ assembly connect with MLAs and government departments?
Evidence and recommendations go directly to decision-makers. Some processes involve MLAs or officials as observers or witnesses - but not participants - helping build buy-in and accountability.