Citizens' Panel recruitment questionnaire

If you have received a questionnaire in the post about taking part in the citizens' panel you may have some questions about it what it is, who should take part and why you received it. Here we answer some of the more frequently asked questions.

Why have I got a questionnaire?
We, in partnership with the district or borough council, have selected a random sample of addresses from the area to mail out to local residents.
We are keen to find out residents’ views on a range of topics such as waste and recycling and budget issues. To find out your views a citizens’ panel operates throughout each of the eight districts in Derbyshire.

Where have you got my address from?
We used a random sample from the Post Code Address file compiled by the Royal Mail.
It does not contain any personal information which is why we have addressed it to ‘the occupier’.

The questionnaire is addressed to The Occupier, who should fill in the form?
Anyone over the age of 16 in your household can fill in the form and be on the panel.

Can more than one person from each household be on the panel?
If you would like extra forms so more than one person in your household can take part please Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk.
Once we have your name and address we can send extra forms.

My mum (dad) just died
If you live in the area you could fill it in yourself.
If you live in a district other than the one printed on the front of the form but would still like to be on a citizens' panel contact Fen Jones on 01629 580000 ext 7253

I’ve lost the envelope
Post to:
JW/SD,
Derbyshire County Council,
FREEPOST DY76,
Derbyshire,
DE4 9BR.

The dog (cat, child) ate the form
We can send you out a replacement form. Please Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk providing your name and address.

I’m over 80, do you really want me to fill it in?
Yes please, we really do value your views and want to know what a cross section of people in Derbyshire think.
It won’t really take very long to fill in.
Would a large print version help? You can request information in alternative formats.

I am partially sighted
We can send out a large print form. Find out how to request information in alternative formats.

My mum / dad is incapable of responding because of ill health etc
Any resident aged over 18 can fill in the questionnaire.
If you live in the district you could fill it in yourself.

I want to complain about something not on the form
We take any complaint seriously. You should Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email them at contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk.

This is a waste of public money
The Government require that we consult the public on certain issues and we feel that sending questionnaires to a citizens' panel is a useful way of doing this.
If you would like to make your views on spending and use of citizens' panels known to us please Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email them at contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Objections to race, religion, disability questions
We ask questions about race, religion, and disabilities to make sure we have got the views of a cross section of society.

I work for the council / Police / Fire service), do I fill it in?
Yes please.

I work away a lot, can I be on the panel?
We normally give two to three weeks to reply to a questionnaire.
If you go away for long periods you would miss the questionnaires, but if you would normally be able to pick up the questionnaire in the two week period please join.

Am I too late to join?
No. Just send it in using the freepost envelope or to the address listed on this page.