Citizens' panel - faq's

This page contains answers to frequently asked questions, both from people already on the Citizens' Panel and people enquiring about joining it. Scroll down the page to view the questions or use the quick link list above to navigate this page.

I have a question about the Citizens' Panel - but I can't find the answer on this page? Click to email us your question.

Citizens' Panel membership while at University

  • Q - I'm 17 and I might be going to University next year, does that mean I can't join?
  • A - We are still keen to get your views and would welcome you on the Citizen's Panel. Fill in the online form

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I'm moving out of Woking

  • Q - If I move out of the area can I still be on the Citizens' Panel?
  • A - Unfortunately to be on the Citizens' Panel you must be resident in Woking. Please let us know if you move out of the area and we can take you off the list. Click here to let us know if you are moving out of the area. You could contact the council in the area you are moving to, to find out if they have a Citizens' Panel you can join.

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Swapping memberships

  • Q - My wife doesn't want to be on the Panel anymore but I do. Can I take on her membership?
  • A - You can ask to be taken off the Panel at anytime so we can certainly remove your wife's name. Unfortunately we can't swap your memberships over but you can apply to join yourself. Fill in the online form.

Click here if you want to remove your name from the panel.

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Focus Groups

  • Q - I want to be on the Panel but I'm not sure I can commit to focus groups?
  • A - You can join the Panel and choose not to be on the list for focus groups. However if you do indicate that you would be willing to take part in focus groups, you can always say no if it's a topic you are not interested in, or you are busy.

More about focus groups. 

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Confidentiality

  • Q - What do you do with the information I provide?
  • A - The personal details you give to us will be retained for use within Woking Borough Council only. The responses that individual Panel members give to questionnaires are confidential and will only be seen by those analysing the results.

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Personal Information

  • Q - Why do you need so much personal information?
  • A - In order to make sure that the Panel is as representative of our local community as possible we need to ensure that we have the most appropriate breakdown of geographic location, age groups, male/females, ethnic background and disability. This is why we need to hold the relevant information on our database.

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Number of members per household

  • Q - Can more than one person from my household be on the Citizens' Panel?
  • A - Yes, we will send you separate questionnaires as your opinions may vary on some topics. Fill in the online form.

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Non residents working in Woking

  • Q - I work in Woking but live in Guildford, can I be on the Citizens' Panel?
  • A - No sorry. Unfortunately one of the criteria for being on the Citizens' Panel is that you must live in Woking Borough which means you are not eligible. However from time to time we run consultations which are open to the public in which you could take part. Keep an eye on the local press for up and coming consultations.

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Minimum Age limit

  • Q - My son is 14 can he join the Citizens' Panel?
  • A - No sorry, although we have no upper age limit to be a member of the Citizens' Panel the minimum age limit is 16 years. There are other ways for people under 16 to give their views to us. Email danielle.bounds@woking.gov.uk to find out more about Woking's Youth Council.

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Maximum Age Limit

  • Q - I'm 93 years old next year and want to join the Citizens' Panel am I too old?
  • A - No you're not too old. There is no upper age limit to be a member of the Citizens' Panel and you are welcome to join. Fill in the online form.

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The Application Process

  • Q - How does the application process work?
  • A - Once we have received your application we will acknowledge that you have been accepted on to the Reserve Panel. Once a year one third of the members of the Citizens' Panel are replaced with new people taken from the Reserve Panel. When you are picked to become a member of the Panel we will let you know and ask you if you wish to accept.

Do you have a question about the Citizens' Panel which is not covered in this page, if so please email policy@woking.gov.uk and we will see how we can help.

Also in Woking Citizens' Panel