FAQs

This Assembly will follow a tried and tested democratic process used all over the world. It brings together a group of people selected by lottery, who broadly represent Oxfordshire’s communities. The people who attend will learn about the issues and then discuss them with one another. They will then make recommendations about what should happen and how things should change.

MutualGain is the independent organisation delivering the Assembly. It exists to connect the conversations taking place in communities with those taking place in organisations, so that our democracy is refreshed through more effective policies and actions that feel collaborative. 

The Sortition Foundation is a not for profit organisation that specialises in recruiting for these kinds of events. We select people by lottery, in a way that is representative of the wider population.

People who have been selected to take part will have the opportunity to meet with people from all walks of life who live in and around Oxfordshire. They will hear from engaging speakers, and then discuss the issues involved in small groups. Each group will have a facilitator to make sure everyone has their voice heard. They do not need to have any knowledge of the topics – all the information they need will be provided throughout the process.

• Saturday 8 February, 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 9 February, 10am - 4pm
• Wednesday 12 February, 6pm - 9pm
• Saturday 1 March, 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 2 March, 10am - 4pm
• Wednesday 5 March, 6pm - 9pm
• Wednesday 12 March, 6pm - 9pm
• Saturday 15 March, 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 16 March, 10am - 1pm

All the sessions are being held at County Hall. They are closed meetings and will not be broadcast to protect the confidentiality of participants. We will keep people up to date on what is happening at the assembly through this page.

We are working hard to make sure the assembly is accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all. 

• Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
• Everyone will have access to a prayer room or quiet space during the day.
• There is no dress code. People are encouraged to wear whatever feels comfortable to them.
• The information provided during the event will be as jargon-free as possible. 
• There will be opportunities for participants to ask speakers to explain what they mean if what they are saying is not clear.
• If anyone needs extra support, like translation or help with accessibility, childcare, or other caring duties, we will do our best to provide it. 
• Disabled parking is available. 
• Everyone who is selected to take part and attends, will receive £585 from Mutual Gain to thank them for giving 45 hours of their time. This payment is optional and will be paid directly into people's bank accounts.

8,000 address have been chosen by the Sortition Foundation to receive invitations. Anyone 16 or older in a household who receives an invitation can apply, apart from the exceptions below. People must normally live in the area and live full or part time at the address. Once registration has closed 40 people will be selected by democratic lottery to take part in the event.  

The following people cannot apply. Elected representatives from any level of government, paid employees of any political party, and council employees in any politically restricted post.

The report will be presented to council representatives and the advisory group for this assembly in March 2025. It will be used to inform how the council moves forward and achieves key targets in its local transport and connectivity plan.