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Participatory Budget Process

Edinburgh Greens Participatory Budget Process

Background

At our AGM in June 2023, a motion asked the branch to trial a Members’ Participatory Budget (PB) and it was proposed to develop and agree a mechanism by November 2023, for implementation in 2024.

Introduction

Planning, controlling and evaluating performance are the three primary goals of any budgeting process. PB also aims to increase participation in spending by giving a wider group of people (in this case, Green members in Edinburgh) a greater say in how a budget is spent. A further objective for us is to increase engagement and involvement in Branch activities across the Edinburgh membership. We hope the PB trial will increase member confidence in developing and delivering projects, and encourage more participation in branch activities.

How will the amount be set each year?

In 2024 we will be trialling this idea and it is proposed that £500 is made available specifically for member proposed events or initiatives. This will be promoted annually to the branch members and we may be able to increase the budget if evaluation shows the trial is a success.

How will proposals be developed and approved?

Our process has been developed along the lines of ‘Leith Chooses’ which is a local PB scheme that works successfully. Our proposed process is as follows:

Timeline

  • Applications open in February

  • Application support is available through the branch microsite or from co-convenors.

  • Sub-branches promote and encourage applications through sub branch meetings and/or communications.

  • Applications close on 17th March

  • Gallery opens to view proposals on the AGM microsite from 18th March

  • Voting takes place from 20th to 31st March

    • All voters can vote for up to 3 projects in order of preference.

    • The project(s) with the most votes, using an STV model, win, where funds allow.

  • Results will be announced first week in April

  • Funds will be available immediately

  • Each proposer completes an evaluation of the project for inclusion in branch communications in December and June (AGM)

Proposed guidelines for applications:

  • Proposals should aim to do at least one of the following:

    • Promote Green values

    • Improve diversity and inclusion across the branch

    • Increase membership across the branch

    • Increase membership participation and engagement

  • Proposers should:

    • Think about the kind of project we would like to support within our current themes and ambitions

    • Outline how the project meets the criteria for funding and a proposed budget and how the project will be carried out

    • Consult with partners, if appropriate

    • Seek support with the application if needed

    • Write and submit the application in adherence to the timeline

How will we evaluate the effectiveness of the trial?

Individual projects will be evaluated through a feedback loop from proposers into the branch membership in December and at the June AGM.

In 2024 a proposal should come to the branch AGM from the branch committee to advise outcomes of the first round of projects and to propose if the process requires to be updated or changed following lessons learned from the trial outcome.