These guidelines are intended for any public official or public institution interested in carrying out a citizen participation process. The guidelines describe ten steps for designing, planning, implementing and evaluating a citizen participation process, and discuss eight different methods for involving citizens: information and data, open meetings, public consultations, open innovation, citizen science, civic monitoring, participatory budgeting and representative deliberative processes.

The guidelines are illustrated with examples, as well as practical guidance built on evidence gathered by the OECD. Nine guiding principles are also presented to help ensure the quality of these processes.