We design interactive masterclasses for public servants, engagement practitioners, and researchers seeking to deepen their skills in designing and delivering high-quality deliberative processes. Each session blends practical exercises, peer learning, and expert guidance to equip you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to make deliberation more inclusive, representative, and impactful.  

Masterclass topics

We've designed a suite of masterclasses on core topics in deliberative engagement, but we also work with organisations to create tailored sessions that address specific challenges or learning goals. Whether you choose one of our existing masterclasses or collaborate with us to design something bespoke, each session is adapted to suit your context and needs.

Our core masterclass topics include:

From invitation to inclusion: building representative deliberative spaces

Representation lies at the heart of effective deliberation, but achieving it requires more than just assembling a group of people. This masterclass explores how representation can be meaningfully achieved in deliberative processes, from recruiting diverse participants to ensuring the voices of those not in the room are still heard. We’ll examine different strategies for inclusion, practical ways to incorporate varied perspectives, and approaches for integrating expert opinion without overshadowing community voices. Through case examples and collaborative exercises, participants will leave with a toolkit of methods to create deliberative spaces that are truly representative and inclusive.  

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:  

• Explore and apply diverse strategies for achieving meaningful, inclusive, and balanced representation in deliberative processes.   

• Apply strategies to ensure the voices of people not directly participating are meaningfully incorporated into deliberations.  

• Design recruitment and selection approaches that support diversity and inclusivity.  

• Integrate expert knowledge in ways that inform, without dominating, community perspectives.  

• Recognise and address barriers that limit participation from underrepresented groups.  

• Select and adapt methods to support inclusive discussion and equitable participation during deliberations.  

Methods in focus: Crafting the Right deliberative process

Different goals, contexts, and communities call for different deliberative methods, but how do you choose the right one? This interactive masterclass begins with an introduction to a “library” of deliberative engagement methods, exploring their purposes, strengths, and trade-offs. Participants will then take part in short, immersive deliberations to experience selected methods in action. In the second half of the day, participants will work in teams to design a deliberative process for a chosen scenario, selecting and adapting methods to suit the purpose and context. Expert facilitators will provide feedback on designs, offering practical insights and strategies participants can take back to their own work.  

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:  

• Compare a range of deliberative engagement methods and understand their respective purposes, strengths, and limitations.  

• Select appropriate methods to match different policy goals, contexts, and communities.  

• Experience and reflect on the dynamics of different deliberative formats through hands-on participation.  

• Adapt and combine methods to address practical considerations such as timeframes, resources, and participant needs.  

• Design a deliberative process that aligns with clear objectives and desired outcomes.  

• Critically assess a process design to ensure inclusivity, clarity, and effectiveness.  

Registration

Our 2026 masterclass series is coming soon, with sessions planned across multiple states. Want to be the first to know when registration opens? Email delibdem@canberra.edu.au to join our mailing list.

What's Included

• Certificate of participation from the Centre for Deliberative Democracy, University of Canberra.  

• A take-home handbook with resources, links, and recommended readings.  

• An overview of a range of deliberative methods, provided in a handy reference PDF.  

• Interactive learning through small-group activities, scenario-based exercises, and opportunities to design and test processes.  

• Pre-reading to set the scene, plus optional articles and resources for ongoing learning after the session.  

• Catering, coffee, and a collaborative learning environment.  

Who should attend

These masterclasses are designed for:  

• Public servants and policy officers involved in community engagement or strategic planning.  

• Engagement practitioners working in government, non-profits, or consultancy.  

• Community leaders and advocates interested in strengthening participatory decision-making.  

• Researchers and students focused on democratic innovation or public policy.  

• Anyone looking to deepen their skills in designing and delivering inclusive, representative, and effective deliberative processes.  

No prior experience with deliberative engagement is required, just an interest in creating meaningful spaces for public participation.  

PAST MASTERCLASSES

Deliberative Democracy in Action Masterclasses

14-16 May 2025

Effective community engagement starts with the right tools and approaches—and deliberation offers both. The Deliberative Democracy in Action Masterclasses offer a hands-on introduction to the principles and tools of deliberative engagement—an evidence-based approach that leads to more inclusive, constructive, and legitimate outcomes.

Whether you're designing consultations, facilitating conversations, or shaping policy, these masterclasses will equip you with practical strategies to engage communities in ways that build trust and deliver impact.

Through these sessions, you'll learn how to:

• Improve the quality of public engagement by creating spaces where participants feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute.

• Broaden the reach of public engagement by designing inclusive processes that engage people from all walks of life—not just the usual voices.

• Balance diverse perspectives by exploring the trade-offs between competing values and interests.

• Bridge divisions and disagreements through meaningful dialogue and active listening.

Drawing from real-world examples in Australia and around the world, the sessions explore fresh, practical approaches to deliberative engagement.

Hosted by the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance — a world leader in the study of public participation — this series brings together expert thinkers and practitioners who are helping to reshape democracy for the better. You’ll also have the chance to connect with some of Australia’s leading experts in deliberative engagement and become part of our growing network of practitioners working to make public engagement more meaningful and effective. 

Participants will also receive a certificate from the Centre of Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance.

 Full program here: