Overview of approach to date

The programme for online workshops so far has very closely replicated the in-person workshop.  The main difference has been the removal of the third round of prioritisation, which is usually done within a plenary setting with all participants.  This is a complex discussion and can be challenging for participants.  Facilitators rely on non-verbal cues and body language, as well as verbal input, to support the group to reach consensus. These factors are missing in an online setting.  The JLA acknowledges the importance of a final opportunity to review and revise the top 10 priorities, and that this is a limitation online.  To try and partially compensate, the JLA is currently advising PSPs to provide an opportunity for participants to share comments and reflections on the top 10 priorities, and on the questions that fell outside the top 10.  This has enabled PSPs to collect more nuanced narrative data to accompany the Top 10 and the other questions, to better understand and report on the rationale for the decision-making that has taken place within the two rounds of prioritisation.

The JLA’s current approach to the online workshop is therefore divided into the following sessions:

  • Plenary session: introduction and background
  • Breakout session 1: comparing priorities
  • Breakout session 2 (same groups): first round of prioritisation (using virtual question ‘cards’)
  • Plenary session: reviewing the shared ranked order of the questions
  • Breakout session 3 (new groups): second round of prioritisation (revising the shared ranking)
  • Plenary session: presenting the top 10, sharing initial reflections, next steps
  • Follow up after the workshop: feedback on the priorities and evaluation of workshop.