New government ‘democratic innovations’ group led by Aberystwyth academic

Aberystwyth academic Dr Anwen Elias has been appointed Chair of the Welsh Government’s new Innovating Democracy Advisory Group.

Dr Elias is Reader in Politics in the Department of International Politics and an expert on territorial and constitutional politics.  She is also Co-Director of The Centre for Welsh Politics and Society and the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD).

She was a Commissioner on the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales which published its final report in January 2024.

The Commission’s report recommended that the Welsh Government “should strengthen the capacity for democratic innovation and inclusive community engagement in Wales. This should draw on an expert advisory panel, and should be designed in partnership with the Senedd, local government and other partners.”

Examples of democratic innovations include: mini-publics, such as climate assemblies or citizens’ juries; participatory budgeting; and digital crowdsourcing.

Dr Anwen Elias from Aberystwyth University said:

“It’s an honour to be asked to chair the Innovating Democracy Advisory Group, and to lead on its work of exploring new ways of strengthening democracy in Wales. I hope the group can scope new opportunities for increasing citizens’ involvement in decision-making, in partnership with others across Wales who are already doing excellent work on public engagement and participation.”

The announcement of Dr Elias’ appointment was made by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS on 19 November 2024. He said:

“The Final Report [of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales] recommended that an expert panel is created, to advise Welsh Government and partners on expanding the use of democratic innovation and enhance civic engagement in public life. To progress this work, I have appointed Dr Anwen Elias as chair of a new Innovating Democracy Advisory Group, the wider membership for which will be appointed in due course through open competition.

“Dr Anwen Elias was a Commissioner on the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. In that role, she contributed specific expertise in civic engagement, particularly in establishing the citizens panels and designing the Community Engagement Fund. Through her experience as a Commissioner, she will ensure that the Commission’s findings will continue to inform the work of the Group.”