Example British politics dissertation topic 7:

Engaging with community stakeholders in local government: A case study of flood prevention strategies in Doncaster and the role of community volunteers

This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of the existing flood prevention awareness schemes undertaken by Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council in conjunction with local stakeholder groups. In so doing, it undertakes primary research in three distinct manners First, house to house surveys with flood victims will be conducted. Secondly, interviews with risk management and local government experts and practitioners will be undertaken. Thirdly, a forum will be held with the local flood awareness groups within the Borough. In so doing it highlights ways in which Doncaster’s existing policies can be further enhanced and also proffers the suggestion that Doncaster could be a role model for other local authorities faced with surface water flooding problems.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Cabinet Office (2008) ‘Qualitative research undertaken during October 2007 in areas affected by the 2007 summer floods’, The Pitt Review: Learning lessons from the 2007 floods. Cabinet Office: London.
• Eiser, J.R. (2004) ‘Public perception of risk’. Report paper prepared for Foresight Office of Science and Technology. Centre for Research in Social Attitudes, University of Sheffield: Sheffield.