Niamh Webster
Written 6 posts
Open government and participation at the Scottish Government
How the principle of openness guided the public discussion on easing lockdown
24th July 2020
The understated importance of principles and remembering why we do what we do Talking of principles often causes eyes to glaze over, minds to wander and sleepy heads to nod off… But taking an open approach as our key principle guided us. It made our public discussion a success. Easing lockdown has dominated the media…
Having your voice heard in an online world: Smart Places series
26th June 2020
Blog by our team member Niamh Webster. Originally published in the Smart Places illustrated blog series of 7 articles featuring thought pieces from a diverse line up of thinkers, practitioners, experts and leaders in this field. Read the other articles in the series and the full programme of events. With thanks to James Albon for the…
A global public engagement talk – while still wearing my slippers
19th February 2020
Read Niamh Webster’s presentation from Apolitical’ s online workshop on public engagement in policymaking. Imagine giving a presentation to 700 people all over the world while still wearing your slippers. This happened to me recently. No, not a bad dream, just speaking at a global Apolitical online workshop. Sitting at my kitchen table on video…
Latest trends sweeping the globe – deliberative democracy here to stay?
6th February 2020
Top tips from Korea to Brazil, Japan to France. Reflections on an international week of democratic innovations in Manchester – and the biggest gathering of democracy fanatics I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Thanks to David Attenborough, citizens’ assemblies hit the headlines a couple weeks ago. Speaking at the UK climate change assembly, Sir…
UEFA and civil partnerships bills drafted using digital tools
24th October 2019
What do the UEFA European Championship and civil partnerships have in common? They’re recent bills being debated before becoming law. What’s interesting is that until now, bills have been drafted on paper. These are the first to be written using digital tools. It’s a move towards more open government. Guest blog from Matthew Lynch at…
Meet the team
30th September 2019
What does the Digital Engagement Team at the Scottish Government do? We want to make it easier for people to get involved in government’s work. We provide the tools and expertise so the government can consult and involve the public using the latest in digital technology. Democracy is at the heart of what we do….