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Concern Assessment Tool
What is it?
The tool puts forward a framework for understanding people's
concerns in order that they can be considered in policy development
and in the development of related consultation arrangements and
communication strategies. The assessment framework is based around
six risk characteristics that research suggests are indicators of
public concern. Two of the characteristics relate to the nature
of the hazard (Familiarity and Experience; and Understanding), two
relate to the risk's consequences (Fear or Dread; and Equity and
Benefits) and two relate to risk management (Control and Trust).
How does it work?
Each characteristic should be scored on a five-point scale by
reviewing relevant evidence obtained from interviews, focus groups,
review of media material, etc.
For example, two elements to score the first indicator (Familiarity
and Experience) are:
- How familiar are people with the hazard?
- What is the extent of their experience?
For each piece of evidence a number of bulleted questions act as
prompts to explore related issues. For example, the first element
under 'Familiarity and Experience' ('how familiar are people with
the hazard?') has three further prompt questions:
- How familiar is the public with the hazard?
- Are all sections of society familiar, or is familiarity confined
to specific groups?
- Are those exposed to risk familiar with it?
These prompts are intended to give an indication of the range of
issues that should be explored to collect enough relevant evidence
to come to a decision on the extent of concern, and not as literal
questions to be asked (e.g. as a questionnaire). They are indicative
and not prescriptive or exhaustive lists. Having reviewed these
prompt questions, a summary of the evidence should be entered in
the scoring table.
Once all the evidence has been collected, it should be considered
as a whole to score the indicator on a five-point scale, where Level
1 is associated with the lowest level of concern and Level 5 with
the highest. The specific score should be taken as indicative, rather
than as a determinant of a particular action and may be useful in
identifying those risks requiring further consideration for action.
It may also provide useful information for further evaluation.
The framework does not attempt to integrate or aggregate scores
from the six indicators into an estimate of 'total concern' because
the categories are not wholly independent of each other.
Source and for more information
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