Can I take part in the event?
If you have been selected to take part, a member of our freephone team will be in touch soon to give you some more details about the event and check your availability. As capacity is limited, we may not be in touch with everyone.
Why have I been approached?
We want to get an idea of what different people think about some of the important decisions facing Britain after they have had the chance to talk and think about the topics under discussion. That means we want people from all different backgrounds and all points of view to take part. Your participation will help ensure that the event is scientifically representative of the whole country.
Why take part?
This is a chance for you to be part of ground-breaking research on what Britain really thinks about some of the decisions that now have to be made post-Brexit’. The results of the research will be of key interest to policymakers when thinking about UK policy on these issues and about our future relationship with the EU.
Events of this kind have been held successfully across the world and on a wide range of topics. Participants in previous events have found them extremely interesting and enjoyable – and we think you will find that this one is too.
What will I receive for taking part?
We would like to offer you £140 as a thank you for taking part.
What’s involved?
We have invited members of the public to take part in a two-day event, taking place on the 3rd and 4th of October 2020. The event will take place online, using the video-calling software Zoom.
Over the weekend, you will discuss a range of topics with a small group of other participants. The discussions will be chaired by a neutral, professional moderator. Each group will also get the chance to pose questions to experts who represent different points of view on the topics under discussion. Both before and after the event, you will be asked to complete a short survey that asks about your views on the topics set to be discussed.
What do I need to take part?
To take part in the event you will need a computer, tablet or mobile device that can make and receive video calls. You will also need a stable internet connection. Should you have any concerns about meeting these requirements or accessing the technology, don’t worry – you will have a chance to raise them with a member of our freephone team.
What will be discussed?
During the event, you will discuss things like how to make sure we have food that is safe to eat, how to ensure that shops and businesses treat their customers fairly, and who from other countries should be allowed in future to come to Britain to live and work.
What if I don’t know anything about the topics for discussion?
This doesn’t matter at all. We want to hear from all kinds of people, not experts. You don’t need to have any particular knowledge of the topics or interest in politics to take part. Before the event you will get an information pack that contains an introduction to all of the topics. During the weekend, you have the chance to ask experts what they think and why. You will be free to say as much or a little as you want during the discussions.
Is the research confidential?
We will not name you in any of our publications and will aim to make sure that no one will be able to recognise you based on the information in them. However, since the event is a group-setting, other participants will hear any personal information that you share.
Where can I find out more?
For anything not covered here, please call 0800 652 4570 or email futureofbritain@natcen.ac.uk. One our staff will get back to you to answer your query as soon as possible.