What is moderation?
‘Moderation’ is the practice of guiding online consultations to ensure that everyone can take part in discussion, get their views across and that the consultation meets its objectives.
What does a moderator do?
‘Moderator’ is internet jargon for somebody who is responsible for making sure that the discussion rules are respected.
A moderator is:
- Similar to a chair of a face-to-face meeting
- There to encourage debate by asking questions but will not offer opinions
- There to make sure everyone feels comfortable and equal in the online discussion.
The Hansard Society moderators always aim to be fair, objective and independent. Moderators are concerned with the quality of the discussion not the interests of one individual, group or idea over another..
Direct communication between the participants and the moderators can take place via email. The moderators’ email address is edemocracy@hansard.lse.ac.uk.
Why Hansard Society moderates the forum?
The Hansard Society managed and moderated the first Diabetes Dialogue consultation.
The Hansard Society is an independent, non-partisan charity promoting political awareness and participation. The Society has been developing and evaluating online consultations for nearly a decade, and is especially recognised for providing moderation of interaction between elected representatives and citizens online.
Who are the moderators?
The moderators of Diabetes Dialogue are Barry Griffiths and Milica Howell who have worked for the Hansard Society for over four years. Both have had extensive training and experience of moderating a wide variety of online consultations.
Find out more about the work of the e-Democracy programme by visiting www.hansardsociety.org.uk/programmes/edemocracy.
