Southwark Council recruits climate emergency Citizens’ Jury

Town hall chiefs are recruiting a Citizens’ Jury’ to support its climate emergency work.

Southwark council is currently contacting a group of randomly selected residents and inviting them to volunteer for the panel.

The jury will meet eight times, between November 2021 and February 2022, to consider the question: ‘What needs to change in Southwark to tackle the emergency of climate change fairly and effectively, for people and nature?

The council is looking for a diverse group of 25 local people to meet and discuss a topic that is affecting everyone in the borough and to help shape a local response.

No special skills, knowledge or particular views on climate change are necessary.

Members of the jury will hear from a range of experts and be invited to discuss ideas and share opinions, before trying to agree a set of recommendations.

Sessions will initially take place online, with two face-to-face days later in the programme.

Southwark Council understand that this is a significant commitment, which could mean time spent away from work and family.

In recognition of this, people who attend all of the sessions will receive £330 in vouchers.

The council will also help to cover the cost of needs such as childcare, carer’s costs or support with travel.

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Development, said: “The climate emergency is the challenge of our time.

We hope that our citizens’ jury will help us to progress the work that is already underway here in Southwark.

“It is important that people across the borough understand the urgency of action, now.

We hope that this citizens’ jury will help to unite more people, and encourage them to share their knowledge and help us to make the changes necessary to safeguard the planet for future generations.”