Democracy Matters phase 2: analysis of responses

Appendix A: Additional information

Participant profile

Participants who hosted the 90 community conversations – including the seven facilitated conversations - were asked where their conversation took place.

Using location information provided by participants, conversations were held in 18 of Scotland's 32 local authority areas, broken down as follows:

Facilitated Events

Seven facilitated events were held across Scotland as part of the community engagement process. These were coordinated and facilitated by Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) on behalf of the

Each event began with a presentation by the facilitators which outlined the background to and aims of Democracy Matters – Phase 2. Participants were then split into two smaller groups to discuss six questions. At the event end, participants had the opportunity to review the flipchart notes and add any further contributions on post-it notes.

Events were limited to approximately two hours. Facilitators often set limits on the time available for each question. The discussion was often fast-paced, and multiple points were raised for each question.

Each event was attended by two facilitators from either SCDC or DTAS and two rapporteurs from The Lines Between. In total, 103 people took part, comprising:

• Rutherglen: Nine participants representing various voluntary organisations, including small grassroots groups, including a radio station, a national mental health network and local charities.
• Skye: Nineteen participants representing community councils in Skye and Lochalsh, development trust members, voluntary sector employees and small grassroots groups.
• Dumfries: Twenty participants representing voluntary organisations, including grassroots groups and local charities, community council members, a Third Sector Interface representative and local authority staff working with communities.
• Mull: Thirteen participants representing the community council, development trust staff and board members, voluntary sector employees and board members. One guest observer also attended
• Duns: Fourteen participants representing the community trust, organisations with the arts, senior citizens and local businesses, a residents' association and a local estate. Two Scottish Government Democracy Matters – Phase Two team members also observed the event.
• Pitmedden: Eleven community members representing community trusts, voluntary organisations, a community media group, an arts and crafts group, and organisations representing environmental interests.
• Easterhouse: Seventeen participants representing a housing association, a local college, neighbourhood action group, the parish church, youth café, arts organisation and a Glasgow City councillor.

As part of the contract to analyse all responses to Democracy Matters – Phase Two, two members of The Lines Between attended and prepared a summary report for each event based on notes taken at all discussions, combined with facilitator notes, flipcharts, and post its added by participants at the end of each session.