Public understanding of regimes of risk regulation: Focus groups with citizens and consumers

Abstract

This report investigates the nature of public understanding of risk and regulation. Issues of risk and regulation are both significant for the public and recognised as such by them. It shows that the public has strong and diverse views on the regulation of the risks they face in their daily lives, and is often critical of the ways in which risks are managed. This raises key issues for regulators and other stakeholders concerned with risk management, public awareness and consumer rights and responsibilities.

As part of the ESRC-funded research project, Public Understanding of Regimes of Risk Regulation, part of the SCARR network, the authors conducted sixteen focus groups with a cross-section of the UK public. The discussions ranged across risk and regulation issues broadly, though two sectors - communications and financial services – were explored in detail.