Expert pools
Where experiential knowledge shapes policy
How do you know if policies or programs for newcomers are really in line with their lives and needs? Which ideas work in practice and which do not? OpenEmbassy 's Expert Pool method brings municipalities and organizations into direct contact with the people concerned.
In an Expert Pool newcomers share their experiences, wishes and insights on a specific theme. This not only provides valuable stories but also well-founded recommendations that enable you to better align policy and implementation with reality.
Share this page
Why choose expert pools?
Policy tested in practice
Expert pools help test assumptions and ask the right questions, from the perspective of newcomers. The result: policies that are meaningful, inclusive and effective from the start.
No unnecessary costs
Design policies together with the target audience before implementation, preventsdure adjustments afterwards. You do it right the first time.
Reach vulnerable voices
Most congregations have little or no direct - and certainly no trusting - contact with newcomers. We build that bridge. Our facilitators (50% with migration backgrounds) build trust so that vulnerable voices are also heard safely and with respect.
Beyond symbolic participation
This is not a standard focus group. Expert pools are deeply structured, trust-based meetings with preparation, community research and follow-up. You don't get a snapshot, but deep, contextual insights into what newcomers really need.
Why expert pools work
After the expert pools, receive a detailed report based on qualitative and community research: with themes, quotes and patterns with concrete recommendations. All data is anonymized, structured and carefully processed.
Trust as a starting point
We speak participants' language, respect their pace and provide an emotionally safe setting - from the invitation to the dinner table.
Cultural mediation
Each group is guided by trained mediators with migration experience - they do not just translate, but bridge context and feeling.
Real data, real impact
Our methodology is scalable. One session often yields 80-100 insights through community research.
Proven results
In Almere, an Expert Pool led to a recurring council of newcomers advising municipal policy on a monthly basis. In Utrecht, a session corrected assumptions about digital skills - which saved budget AND improved inclusion.
Advantages expert pools
Detailed report
Concrete recommendations
Culture Sensitive
Scalable
Reliable data
Want to know more?
Create policies that work - and stay working. Contact us to book an Expert Pool or find the right format for your challenge.
Download Flyer
The right voices at the table - with the expert pool methodology
FAQ expert pools
Frequently asked questions from participants
Article expert pools
How to hear the most important voices