What is the Perth Process?

• A quick way to consult with mixed groups on complex subjects such as legislation and regulations.
  
  
• Works with people who come together over a burning issue but have not had time to read relevant documents.
  
  
• Generates immediate response in a short time period.

How does it work?

• Half hour provided for people to filter in and take refreshments with relevant literature including précis or summaries made available at or prior to event.
  
  
• The meeting room is arranged as a market place, with up to 10 flip charts against walls and each with a title of interest.
  
  
• People take 15 minutes to sign-up for at least two subjects they are interested in working on.
  
  
• A facilitator goes around each group, noting down on the flip-chart the main points from participants even if there are opposing views.
  
  
• Each session lasts for one hour and a brief report is made to everyone at the end of each session.
  
  
• After the two sessions, the whole group reconvenes for any last points, expressions of real passion or a brief airing of subjects not covered in the working groups.
  
  
• The sponsor assures everyone present that all points noted on the flipcharts will be fed back to the originators of the documentation or used in formal representations.

What are the applications?

• Allows for a rapid and wide consultation by governments on new legislation, regulations etc.
  
  
• Enables quick feedback from disparate groups unable to be in one place at one time.

What are the benefits?

• Participation leads to a feeling of ownership and a decline in anomie.
  
  
• Feedback leads to better policies, laws and regulations.
  
  
• Large amount of response in a brief period of time from wide cross section of community.
  
  
• Process easily organised and takes only three hours to complete.

© 1999 Open Futures Ltd.

Note: The Perth Process © was designed to assist the Scottish Land Reform consultation in Scotland during 1998 for the Rural Forum in the City of Perth.