Are you passionate about public services and want to have a regular say on how Nottinghamshire County Council can work better for you?

The County Council is on the look-out for more people to join its 4,000 strong Citizens’ Panel and in so doing, have a direct influence over the 400-plus services it provides.

Citizens’ Panel members are asked for their views on a wide range of topics though questionnaires or face-to-face focus groups.

Recent decisions the Citizens Panel members have commented on and had a direct influence over include:
A decision to overturn proposals to introduce a charge for disposing of building waste at Recycling Centres as part of the County Council’s Budget consultation earlier this year
Choosing the name Inspire, for the new Community Benefit Society, which delivers a range of cultural, art, library and learning services on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council
Taking part in focus groups to devise the design, content and layout of the Council’s Life magazines, the publications used to inform residents about Council services, news and events

Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “From councillor surgeries and formal planning consultations to our annual budget questionnaires and day-to-day interaction, we’re listening to local people all the time and using their views to influence new policies and service delivery.

“With on-going cuts to Council budgets due to Government austerity, local people have played an increasingly important role in helping us identify areas where we can be more efficient and do more with less.

“The Citizens Panel is a vital sounding board for us when it comes to suggesting new ways of doing things, developing policies and dealing with changes. Joining the Citizens Panel is a chance to shout up for Nottinghamshire and for your community.”

The Council would like to hear from anyone aged over 18 who is interested in joining the Citizens Panel, in particular people aged 18-30. It’s preferred for panel members to provide an email address, which will be used as the main method of communication.

To join the Citizens Panel, simply visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/citizenspanel and follow the link to complete a short online form. Alternatively, call the Customer Service Centre 0300 500 80 80.