The Angus Participatory Budgeting Learning Exchange UK will be taking place on Friday 17th June 2016 in Forfar, Angus.

The event will feature:

• Stimulating speakers from Kathleen Glazik, policy officer from the Scottish Government Community Empowerment Unit, Alan Budge from PB Partners and the chair of the YBYC (Your budget Your Choice)
• Learn about what is happening in the world of PB ..., at the national level and within local communities.
• An afternoon of interactive workshops to build learning on digital engagement and dialogue delivered by leading practitioners DEMSOC and Delib.

This event will be of interest to anyone currently involved in or undertaking or thinking about undertaking participatory budgeting approaches.

Programme

10.00-10.30 Doors open; registration,coffee and breakfast rolls

10.30-10.40 Welcome, aims of the day

Cllr Houston, Angus Participatory Budgeting Group

10:40– 11.10 Scotland’s Participatory Budgeting Programme plus Q&A

Kathleen Glazik, Policy Officer, Community Empowerment Unit Scottish Government

The Scottish Government supports PB as a tool for community engagement which sits alongside the objectives of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and as an important resource to build on the wider development of participatory democracy in Scotland.

11.10-11.30 Coffee break and networking

11.30-12.00 Models of PB

PB Partners

Participatory Budgeting can be applied to many different contexts where priorities have to be made and budgets set in allocation of public funds. Whilst many projects start off as a small grants pot there has been a move to other forms of PB including devolved funds to wards, mainstream budgets for services and other specific processes.

12.00-12.45 Lunch

And networking, film of Participatory Budgeting process in Brechin 2015.

12.45-1.00 Your Budget Your choice

Eric Gray, Chair of the Your Budget your Choice Steering Group

In 2015 Angus Council piloted a participatory budgeting approach in the Brechin area under the banner “Your Budget, Your Choice”. Under this initiative, the people of East Brechin were invited to spend a budget of £20,000 on initiatives to improve wellbeing in their area. In addition to making a positive difference to quality of life for people in East Brechin.

1.00-2.00 Digital Tools in PB programmes and ‘dialogue’ as a digital tool

Alistair Stoddart, Scotland Network Manager, Democratic Society

The Democratic Society (Demsoc) is a UK-based membership organisation that aims to make democracy work for the 21st century. In 2015 the Scottish Government commissioned the Democratic Society DEMSOC to conduct a research project into the use of digital tools to support PB in the context of the requirements of local councils within Scotland.

Delib

Delib are a small team based around the world (mostly in Bristol, UK and Brisbane, Australia. They are a not for-profit social venture, working to help people give their views on decisions that affect them. Their goal is better public services and a healthy, functioning democracy. Their app “Dialogue” makes it easier for people to be involved in policy decisions and the design of public services.

2.00-2.15 Teabreak Reflections

2.15-2.45 Feedback and Vote DEMSOC and Delib

2.45-3.00 Plenary and close TBC

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Free car parking is available at the venue. Train only to Dundee, buses to Forfar.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

Please bring a laptop or smart phone if able to.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Lynn Hally on 01307 476127 or Rachel Green on 01307 474153

Dietry requirements?

Please let us know of any dietry requirements by emailing the organiser asap.

Accessibility requirements?

Please let us know if you require any additional assistance for you to participate fully in the event.