Listening to citizens before shaping policy
Bringing community experience into conversations about public services.
A concept for development; not findings from empirical HIR research.
Public policy should be assessed through its effects on people's lives. Community accounts can offer a starting point for more focused research questions.
Meaningful participation
Community forums should make space for diverse groups, including women, young people, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities.
Distinguishing experience from conclusions
Community testimony should be treated with respect and examined alongside documents, data, and responses from relevant parties before conclusions are drawn.
Responsible political analysis
Candidates' programmes and government policies can be assessed against transparent criteria. HIR proposes a programme-based approach using verified policy records and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
A question for further inquiry
How can communities assess changes in service quality simply and consistently?
Methods / basis of writing
Concept note; not an empirical research report.
Sources & references
No empirical references yet; this article is an initial concept.
Limitations / verification status
Further evidence gathering and testing are required.
Disclosure of interests
A proposed area of development for HIR.