Ever wondered what makes a deliberation work? What unfolds in sessions where diverse voices are heard, tough conversations unfold, and collective decisions take shape?

From the outside, it may just look like structured discussions and group work. But behind the scenes, there are carefully crafted processes that facilitators design, adapt, and navigate in real-time to ensure meaningful conversations unfold.

Between 2024 and 2025, our facilitators have delivered or are actively running nine deliberative processes and two standing panels across three Australian states - it’s a true ‘Panel Palooza’! They’ve captured moments during these processes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the methods, challenges, and small but crucial moments that shape successful engagement.

So, whether you’re a fellow facilitator, an engagement enthusiast, or just curious about what makes a deliberation truly work, this is your backstage pass. Let’s dive in!

TAKE A peek behind the curtain

>> managing data with custom AI

MosaicLab director Keith explains how participants used a custom built AI system to analyse real-time data during an online panel session.

>> designing together

Senior facilitators Polly and Fox share insights from day two of a co-design session with the client where it’s all about getting clear on the issues and challenges they face and what could a deliberative panel try and tackle.

>> inclusive engagement

MosaicLab managing director Nicole shares a behind-the-screen moment working with a dynamic online setup, coordinating a large group with Auslan and Mandarin interpreters.

>> core challenges

In this video, Senior facilitator Lyndal explains how this in-person panel is weighing up different options after hearing about the key challenges during a council deliberation.

>> decision maker debrief

In this video, Keith and Naomi are debriefing with the speaker panel on day two. Decision-makers are impressed by the panel’s depth, diversity, and insights, feeling energised by the meaningful discussions shaping their challenge.

>> the 'groan zone'

Recruitment Coordinator Gus takes us behind the scenes of the ‘groan zone’ where participants tackle the tough stuff, grouping the ideas generated by the group and working through each of them.

>> wrestling with feedback

Lyndal and Fox check in at the end of day five of a six-day panel, where writing teams are deep in their third round of refining recommendations. A little bit of magic is in play - the use of a custom GPT AI tool.

>> Final stages

Senior facilitator Mel takes us behind the scenes where panel members are about to finalise their write-up before a final walkthrough and test, preparing to hand everything over to the CEO.

TALK TO us ABOUT DELIBeration IDEAS AND OPTIONS

We’re here to help, and ready to chat to you about how a deliberative process could work for your community and organisation, and what form it could take.

We can help you navigate the options and find a way to more effectively tackle tricky topics and big decisions, setting you on the path to success before you start heading off on your engagement journey.

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