The Health Canada Policy Toolkit for Public Involvement in Decision
Making
Level 4 Technique:
Charrette
What Is It?
A charrette is a meeting that convenes to address a specific issue
or question, within a fixed time period. Participants work cooperatively
to find a fresh and innovative solution to the issue at hand, in
a setting where the time limit encourages quick, open and candid
discussion.
How It Works
A charrette can accommodate 20 to 60 participants, depending on
the breadth of the issue and the time available. Participants can
include anyone with a stake in the issue, including experts and
staff. A charrette should run at least two hours; most usually
require a full day or more. Preparation for a charrette should
be thorough and methodical, and an experienced facilitator is necessary.
A charrette usually involves the following steps:
- definition of the issues to be resolved
- group analysis of the problem and general discussion of possible
approaches and solutions
- assignment of smaller working groups to discuss and clarify
issues (it is recommended that at least one expert or staff member
should be assigned to each working group)
- working group development of proposals and solutions in response
to specific issues
- group presentation and analysis of each group's final proposal(s)
- debate and discussion, to reach consensus and final resolution.
Since a charrette is a one-time event, the participants' list
and the timing must receive careful consideration, to maximize
the value of the process. Goals and timing must be established
in advance and made clear to all participants. Blank flipchart
sheets are hung on the walls at the beginning of the process, so
that participants can write down suggestions that might trigger
new ideas in other group members, and emerging ideas are posted
on flipcharts as the discussion unfolds.
Suggested ideas become the basis for deliberation. The debate
continues until general agreement is reached. At the end of the
process, a report is usually compiled to indicate how the proposed
solution has been implemented.
When Is It Most Useful?
Charrettes are used to:
- resolve difficult matters involving many different people and/or
interests
- assemble practical ideas and viewpoints at the beginning of
a planning process
- facilitate decisions on difficult issues when a process is
mature
- resolve indecision or deadlocks between groups toward the end
of a process
- encourage input and collaboration from a wide range of participants,
including staff and experts with a direct stake in the issue.
Logistics and Limits
Charrettes require discipline and may become difficult when particularly
vocal individuals are invited to attend. Advance preparations are
extensive, and can take a month or more. A shorter charrette (two
to three hours) may yield only a limited number of ideas.
Cost Implications
Cost factors include ample meeting space, background materials,
an experienced facilitator, resource people and on-site supplies.
It may also be necessary to cover travel and accommodation, hospitality
and compensation for individuals who must take time away from their
regular jobs to take part.
Expectation for Feedback or Follow-Up
A follow-up report to participants is usually built into the process.
Timelines
At least two to four months may be required to gather background
materials and expert participants. As already indicated, the process
itself usually takes at least a day.
Potential Pitfalls
Depending on the definition of "expertise," the emphasis on specialist
participation in a charrette may exclude community voices from
the process. This could cast doubt on the credibility of the overall
public involvement plan of which the group is a part. The continuous
nature of a longer charrette may exclude some participants whose
interest in a particular health issue relates to, or is hindered
by, a disability or activity limitation.
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