Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
We are pleased that you are interested in taking part in the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
On this page you can learn more about the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel and find answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.
If you need help with registration, please contact: jayne.mcfadyen@sharedfuturecic.org.uk
DEADLINE EXTENDED!
What is the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel?
This Panel will bring together 20 randomly selected residents of Mildenhall, to discuss what the future of creativity and culture in Mildenhall could look like. Panel members will share their own views, hear others’ perspectives and hear outside perspectives. Together, the Panel will produce a set of recommendations for the future of arts, creativity, and culture in Mildenhall.
Listen to the invitation letter to join the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
Listen to information on being part of Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
Who are the organisers of the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
Specialists in public engagement have been hired to run the panel on behalf of Marketplace Arts. Shared Future has lots of experience running citizens’ panels, juries, and assemblies like these. You can find out more about them on their website at: www.sharedfuturecic.org.uk.
An Advisory Group has been established to ensure the process is run fairly. It has a wide range of representatives, including: Anglia Ruskin University, Brecks Landscape Partnership, Mildenhall High Town Council, Nene Park Trust, St Mary’s Church, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, West Suffolk District Council.
When will the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel take place?
Sessions will take place on the following dates:
- Sat 3rd October 2026 (10.00am-4.30pm) (in person in Mildenhall)
- Wed 14th October 2026 (6.30pm-9.00pm) (online)
- Wed 21st October 2026 (6.30pm-9.00pm) (online)
- Wed 4th November 2026 (6.30pm-9.00pm) (online)
- Wed 11th November 2026 (6.30pm-9.00pm) (online)
- Sat 21st November 2026 (10.00am-4.30pm) (in person in Mildenhall)
- Sun 22nd November 2026 (10.00am-4.30pm) (in person in Mildenhall)
Frequently Asked Questions
How was I selected to take part?
All households in Mildenhall have received an invitation to take part. All people who register their interest will be entered into a lottery to determine whether they are part of the final Panel.
Why am I being invited?
We want to hear from a range of people who may have different experiences or opinions. We want to make sure we have a diverse range of people in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and where people live. Your views are as important as everyone else’s – we want to hear from you!
What will taking part involve?
If you are selected to take part, you will have the opportunity to meet with people from different walks of life who live in Mildenhall. You will hear from engaging speakers, and then discuss the issues involved in small groups.
Each group will have a facilitator to make sure everyone has their voice heard. You do not need to have any knowledge of the topics – all the information you need will be provided during the sessions.
What will I receive for taking part?
We recognise this is a big commitment. It’s about 30 hours of your time, spread over several weekends.
Everyone who attends all the sessions will receive up to £360 in vouchers.
The vouchers can either be for a supermarket of your choice or High Street Shopping vouchers. Your travel costs, and any support or care costs, will also be covered.
Should I take part?
We hope you can find time to be part of this unique opportunity to have your say on culture and creativity in Mildenhall. This is the very first time something like this has happened in the area, and it is a new way for residents to come together to learn and make recommendations that will affect the local area.
Who can apply?
Everyone who is 16+, and lives within Mildenhall can apply.
How accessible will the process be?
The Panel will be held at an accessible venue and online. At in person events lunch and refreshments will be provided, and your transport costs will be covered. There is no dress code. Please wear whatever feels comfortable for you.
We use Zoom for our online sessions. If you need help joining the sessions we can help with one to one training and also we can provide you with a laptop and internet devices if you don’t have them.
The information provided during the Panel will be as jargon-free as possible. There will be opportunities to ask speakers to explain what they mean if what they are saying is not clear. If you need extra support, like translation, help with accessibility, or childcare we will try to provide it or cover the costs. If you are selected, please let us know about your specific requirements when we contact you.
What happens after I register?
Once registration has closed, 20 people will be selected by lottery from those who registered their interest to take part. The lottery process is done in a particular way to make sure that people with different backgrounds and opinions are attending.
If you are selected, we will let you know by text (from 07379 655842) or by email from Shared Future CIC (from jayne.mcfadyen@sharedfuturecic.org.uk).
We’ll next arrange a convenient time for a quick phone call where we can discuss any help or support that you may need to join the sessions and also to give you the opportunity to ask any questions before we start.
How do I register my interest in joining the Mildenhall Citizens’ Panel
Please complete the Google Form at “Register your interest!”
Or register using our freephone number: 0800 009 6819
The deadline for registering your interest is midnight on Monday 7th September 2026
Subscribe to our Mailing List
Join the Shared Future community and keep updated on the latest news, activities and our work
