Pilot: Public Panel on Data – FAQs
Thank you for your interest in the Pilot for the first Public Panel on Data in Northern Ireland.
We are creating a community of people across Northern Ireland to tell us about their experiences and opinions on the use of data for public good. The purpose of this Pilot is to test this format of conversation; in the future, a public panel on data could support the work of researchers, public servants and charities, and make a real difference in the way data is gathered and used in Northern Ireland.
What is data for public good?
Data is a set of facts or information used to calculate, analyze, or plan something. It could be information that is intentionally collected through research, or automatically produced by a computer. Using data for public good means using it for societal benefit.
What is a public panel?
A public panel is a small group of members of the public who are invited to discuss something and make recommendations.
Why is it useful?
In the future, a public panel on data could support the work of researchers, public servants and charities, and make a real difference in the way data is gathered and used in Northern Ireland, and supported by the Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC NI).
What is a pilot?
A pilot is a way to test or sample a service or experience before introducing it more widely. This will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Who is running the pilot?
The pilot is being run by Big Motive, an independent design consultancy, to inform the design of a Public Panel in Northern Ireland. Big Motive collaborates with purpose-driven teams to create digital products and services that improve people’s lives. This standalone, pilot exercise is funded by the Northern Ireland Trusted Research Environment (NITRE), and supported by the Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC NI).
Why do we need you?
We are seeking to recruit a group of people who can put themselves forward to represent the voice of the public in Northern Ireland. We are opening this opportunity for citizens to express their interest in sharing their views, instead of inviting a selected and closed group of people to join. Our hope is that the panel will be as representative of the views of the population as possible.
How much time should you offer? When would you be needed? Where will you be based?
- This role will involve two meetings, on the 4th and 18th of November, from 10am to 1pm. We expect you to engage in both Pilot sessions.
- The meetings are currently held virtually via Zoom, therefore you would need access to a laptop or smartphone and WiFi.
Will I receive a voucher for taking part?
Yes. You will receive a gift as a thank you for your participation.
What activities will you be involved in?
- Attend a Panel meeting which consists of up to 20 members of the public in total.
- Listen to presentations / participate in workshops delivered by the panel facilitators.
- Provide personal opinion of the topics being discussed.
Is there an induction and training?
- You will receive all relevant instructions ahead of each session, but no experience or preparation is required.
- The facilitators will provide the group with principles for how to participate well.
- In your expression of interest please qualify that you have studied or worked in data research before.
- The panel will be constituted by a balance of people with experience and none in the wider area of data use.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
- Opportunity to engage with a group of other interesting Northern Ireland citizens.
- Making a difference to society by supporting high quality, relevant research.
- Learn more about data and the use of data for public good.
What happens after the pilot is over?
The Big Motive team will produce a report containing observations on the process, from recruitment to the conclusion of the sessions. The findings of the pilot will contribute to an application for commissioning and the potential establishment of this service in the future.
What will you do with the information we discuss?
The information you provide will be kept until it is no longer required. Since this is a pilot, the output of the panel discussions are not going to be published. The exercise is to test the experience of running the panel per se.
How do you safeguard my privacy?
Your identity will be kept anonymous in all further publishings. If selected to sit on the panel please note that you will be attending as a member of the public and not a representative of any organisation.
Who else is joining?
We are looking for people from a broad range of locations, age groups and backgrounds. The criteria to join are: being over 18, based in Northern Ireland and with access to the internet. No previous experience or knowledge required.
Why should I join?
Participating in this pilot will give you an opportunity to shape the future of public conversations about data, and contribute to the design of the first data panel for Northern Ireland. Participants in similar panels across the UK and Ireland find that having a meaningful impact in the future of these discussions can be very empowering.
How do I express my interest in joining?
To learn more and register your interest in participating, visit: https://form.typeform.com/to/fiCEHHFr Registrations close by 12pm on the 18th of October.
Who should you contact?
To find out more please contact info@bigmotive.com