How do the excluded and marginalised participate in PB? Isn't there a greater risk of social exclusion?
There is always a risk of social exclusion in any form of engagement or participation, particularly one that is open to all and not restricted by strict representation of the population (citizens panels are a good form of ensuring representation). However, PB enables all to participate and provides incentive for them to do so in a way that other engagement methods don't. If the values of PB are embedded in a process - values of accessibility in particular - will help to ensure any exclusion is minimised.
The best practice examples of ensuring good representation and involving those that don't traditionally get involved, utilised their existing community development networks and included engaging with marginalised sections of the community in spaces where they felt comfortable. For example, some initiatives have roadshows and take these to the post office, pub, chemist and supermarket to target those that perhaps might not feel comfortable in the town hall. Others use community researchers, and provide support in completing any written forms or applications.
