Context and Purpose
Oxfordshire County Council partnered with MutualGain to convene a Citizens’ Assembly as part of its Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, which sets a bold vision for a healthier, more sustainable, and better-connected county.
The Assembly gave residents the time and space to explore how Oxfordshire’s transport system can enable its health, economy, and environment to thrive.
Bringing the public into the heart of long-term transport planning ensured that decisions would reflect the needs and priorities of local people.
Approach and Delivery
34 residents were selected through sortition (a democratic lottery process) ensuring representation of Oxfordshire’s diversity.
Across 45 hours of learning and deliberation, participants heard from evidence givers, including academics, transport operators, local businesses, and community representatives.
They explored priorities, trade-offs, and future solutions through facilitated discussions, mapping exercises, and role-play activities.
Accessibility (including adaptation for those with neurodiversity) was designed in from the start, with materials adapted for different needs and facilitation tailored to support everyone
Outcomes and Impact
The Assembly produced 20 resident-led recommendations, including expanding Park & Ride services, creating a county-wide bus ticketing system, launching a public campaign for sustainable travel, and introducing a ‘Travel Positive Employer’ kite mark.
These were formally integrated into the Council’s governance process, with public responses issued to each recommendation.
Their continued involvement deepened trust and demonstrated how deliberation can evolve into an ongoing, community-centred model of policymaking.
“This was the best facilitation I have seen in my professional career, and I have seen loads! It is a masterclass in seamlessly integrating all forms of diversity with ease and equity. Thank you!”
Participants were later reconvened to review progress and deliberate on new proposals such as Oxford’s congestion charge and the OxRAIL 2040 strategy.