Opinion Panel

I’ve always known our panellists (over 120,000 students and young people) make up one of the most talented online communities in the UK – maybe even in the world! From talking to panellists, I know how bright, creative and connected they are. And their influence spreads far and wide.

In June 2011, we set about creating a new panelist website. Somewhere that offered more than the usual place to log-in and check points or update profiles. A place our panellists could showcase their ideas and opinions; where we could show our panellists exactly how we were using the results of the surveys they took part in. Somewhere everyone had an opportunity to comment, contribute and have a voice.

The result is this website – a space that’s built and run by young people, students and recent graduates for young people, students and recent graduates. Jon Finka, our current Editor, joined OpinionPanel as an intern in May 2011. He now works here full time, liasing with panellists and building up the site. Our Political Blogger, a recent Oxford graduate, joined The Graduate Panel in mid-2011 and has already made some great contributions. Our lead Culture and Trends Blogger, Ellie Slee, is a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins and a member of The Graduate Panel. The graphic designer for this website is a talented design student in her final year at Ravensbourne University. Even the Managing Director of the cutting-edge specialist web development agency that built the site is a member of The Youth Panel.

At every level, the site has been shaped by the expertise and talent of young people, students and graduates. And we further our commitment to supporting young talent and innovation by running the OpinionPanel Journalism Scholarship – a gift of £1000 to the most creative journalism student at the world famous City University Department of Journalism.

We’ve always valued the feedback of our members – we trust and respect their opinion in all kinds of ways. In fact we’ve built a business on it! So if you’ve got an opinion and would like to share it, or you would like to get involved with a regular blog, or you even want to be editor, just drop us a line! Remember, Your Opinion Counts!