Cllr. Ellis explores the local Democracy project (ICELE) and discusses the impact he would like the project to have on British democracy and tackling public apathy towards political engagement.
Q1: How will ICELE take forward the work of the eDemocracy Project? What will you seek to achieve over the next 12 months?
ICELE will develop its role as an International Centre of Excellence and provide a focal point for advising and supporting local authorities and communities to enhance participation in all parts of the democratic process. It will continuously analyse existing and developing tools that underpin Local eDemocracy - from e-consultation, to e-forums, to weblogs and more. We plan to set-up a high level strategic advisory group including private sector companies, as well as public and voluntary sector partners. This group will help ICELE to understand emerging technologies and concepts. A practitioners group will also be set-up, which will capture innovation and assist in the dissemination of best practice.
Q2: Can you tell me a little about the international component of the Centre and what you hope to learn from similar initiatives in other countries?
ICELE aims to connect with broader agendas on Local eDemocracy as well as provide an international focal point for best practice in eParticipation. It will build understanding with other agencies and organisations within the field and integrate the Centre's work with key initiatives, from the Transformational Government agenda, to People and Places. Important links already in place such as with the Council of Europe and United Nations will be developed.
Q3: While technology is becoming increasingly embedded in our lives, a number of e-initiatives have looked to exploit this and re-engage the electorate, but take-up has been disappointing. What's your strategy to cut through public apathy to the democratic process?
In all that we do we will be looking to learn from existing best practice and projects that have been proven to work - from a wide variety of sectors and countries worldwide. Electronic engagement is happening all around us and is successful in so many areas of our lives. We need to harness this, understand why certain projects work, and replicate these successes across the public sector, making the tools and knowledge available to all councils. To do this we need to be at forefront of the industry, leading on, participating in and learning from existing and emerging innovations and practices. ICELE will build robust links with industry suppliers and understand emerging product roadmaps, as well as existing tools. It will provide objective analysis, advice and guidance on tools that can assist local councils engage with their residents in a variety of technology led ways. By replicating and building on the strengths of already publicly supported initiatives, I believe that higher levels of public participation will follow suit.
Q4: Do you have plans to target the 18 - 30 year old segment?
Absolutely. We recognise there are important groups in existence, from the UK Youth Parliament, to numerous online youth forums. We want to work with groups to better understand their needs and help to develop and advise on better ways to engage with young people.
Q5: What impact would you like ICELE to have on British Democracy by 2010?
Democracy is happening all around us. ICELE is all about enabling local councils to take advantage of new technologies, to get local people involved in local decisions, and to make a difference to local people's lives. A key part of ICELE's work will be to better engage elected members in Local eDemocracy. ICELE will aim to raise awareness within the elected member community of the benefits Local eDemocracy. It will promote a wider understanding of associated tools and practices and how these can add value to the ways in which Members engage with their electorate, as well as to the electoral process as a whole.
