Inglis, Andy

It is only over the 1990s that local government bodies have started to apply participatory methodologies with any consistency. This is surprising given their mandate to meet the needs and interests of local people. This overview discusses the many issues surrounding participation and local government.

This article is a personal reflection by the author of his work bringing innovative participatory approaches used in the South, to countries in the North. After 10 years working for Southern organisations he became increasingly aware and uneasy of what appeared to be a "one-way PRA crusade" which assumed that the North was already participatory enough, with no room for improvement. Seven years ago he started a Northern training journey, designing and facilitating PA workshops and events in countries such as Canada, Albania, Austria, the UK, Italy, Japan, Lebanon and New Zealand.

This article describes a new tool, the H-form (or Rugby Post form), to facilitate monitoring and evaluation exercises. The method is described in detail, as are options for developing it further, depending on the objectives of the exercise. This tool helps individuals and/or groups to record their own views and ideas in a non-threatening and open, yet structured, way which fosters individual expression as well as common understanding and consensus. The sequence and clear framework that the H-form provides keeps discussion focused, specific, progressive and can easily lead to action points.