Prof Graham Smith

My work has had significant political impact on public participation, in particular on the organisation, advocacy and impact of citizens’ assemblies. I am happy to work with governments, established civil society organisations or social movements. Wherever I believe positive democratic change is possible.

As Chair of the Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA), funded by the European Climate Foundation, I continue to work closely with national and local governments and civil society organisations to improve their commissioning, design, delivery, follow-up and evaluation of assemblies.

I was part of the international design teams for the first permanent citizens’ assembly in the German-speaking region of Belgium and the first permanent climate assembly in the Brussels Capital-Region.

Back in the early days of Extinction Rebellion, I worked with activists to build their capacity to advocate for citizens’ assemblies as one of their key demands. I continue to work with activists and artists committed to building a democratic response to the climate and ecological crisis.

I have been collaborating with the UK Democracy Network to facilitate collaboration between practitioners and academics.

I have been recognised by Apolitical as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Academics in Government.