Council launches first ever ‘Citizens’ Jury’ to showcase innovative local engagement

East Staffordshire Borough Council has undertaken its first ever “Citizens’ Jury”, an innovative form of participatory democracy.

A Citizens' Jury brings together a group of local people, representative of the local population, to consider a public issue in depth and make recommendations for the Council to consider.

Facilitated by Support Staffordshire, a local charity who exist to support community and voluntary groups across the County, the Citizens’ Jury considered the use of glyphosate on Council owned land.

Glyphosate is a widely used chemical herbicide that kills weeds and unwanted plants. While it is an effective weed killer, concerns have been raised globally, so its use in East Staffordshire was an ideal subject for local citizens to discuss using the Jury process.

The Jury was held over two days in early 2026 at Burton Library and brought 26 local people together to debate this topic.

The Jury members received balanced perspectives from independent expert witnesses on the various potential impacts and considerations related to the use of glyphosate. The Jury then discussed and proposed recommendations to the Council's Cabinet.

Cllr Dennis Fletcher, East Staffordshire Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment & climate change said: “The Council recognises the importance of having local people involved in shaping policy, so we were keen to introduce the Citizens’ Jury approach.

“This is the first time the Council has run a Citizens’ Jury, and we think this innovative method of public engagement has been a great success.

“It was fantastic to see a diverse group of people brought together in this way. They have deliberated thoughtfully, and produced informed, balanced recommendations to help the Cabinet in its decision-making.

“We are very grateful to Support Staffordshire for facilitating this process, and to the witnesses and citizens who gave up their time to get involved.”

Michelle Vodden, Support Staffordshire’s research and engagement manager added: “Support Staffordshire was delighted to facilitate this first Citizens’ Jury in East Staffordshire.

“We attracted a wide range of people from across the Borough who represented the local community, and everyone contributed enthusiastically to the discussions and recommendation-setting.

“The two Jury days were very positive and animated, with great feedback from all involved about how enjoyable and important this process is for local democracy and decision-making.

“Thanks to East Staffordshire Borough Council for their support in this new initiative.”

As a result of the Citizens’ Jury, the Cabinet has agreed that the Council would develop a communications plan on glyphosate use, and that public education on natural spaces, weed identification and information about the use of glyphosate will be prioritised.

It was also agreed that partnership working would be developed to ensure a system-wide approach to weed management, with further proposals also being noted for the Council to consider further when setting future budgets.

Learn more about the jury process and hear from some of the citizens involved in the sessions by watching a video.