Viewfinder - Becoming a Member
Last updated | 29/07/2008
Can I become a member of the panel?
Yes. You can volunteer to become a member at any time, however, because we need to create panels that are representative of the people of Perth & Kinross in terms of age, sex, housing, employment status and so on, you might not be chosen straight away.
What's involved?
If you are selected as a panel member, you will be sent up to four surveys each year. Each Perth & Kinross Citizens' Panel survey takes around 20 minutes to complete. You will be asked to tick the answers that best match your views and a pre-paid return envelope is provided.
Your survey does not carry your name or any other personal details to identify you. The responses are then analysed and considered by the council and its partners when making decisions.
Following each survey, a summary sheet is sent to each panel member giving the panel's overall views as well as details of any actions taken as a result.
What information is needed from you?
We need to make sure that the people on the panel match those living in Perth & Kinross. This means that if 50% of the population is female, 50% of the panel will be female, and so on.
We therefore need to know your gender, age, ethnic origin, any disability, car ownership, whether you own or rent your house and whether you are employed, unemployed, retired, studying, or doing voluntary work.
Will this information be confidential?
Yes. The Data Protection Act 1998 strictly controls the use of this information. The council, and or those employed by it, will process your answers to find out your views on important issues, to help plan and deliver services and to make decisions. Your answers will not be used for any other purpose.
Your name, address and personal details will not be used publicly or passed to any other organisation including the council's partners and any consultants that the council may employ, without your express permission. You will be asked to agree to the use of your information for these purposes only. Without that authorisation we could not and would not use any of the information given.
