Public sector and opinion research

Best value

Research to meet the requirements of the Best Value initiative have been conducted using a wide range of research interviewing techniques. Surveys usually require a high level of statistical validity and quota sampling to match the profile of the local population.

Citizens' Panel

Projects to set up, manage and operate Citizens' Panels have been undertaken to help local authorities meet the requirements for local consultation. The panel database is held and managed by Marketing Assistance Ltd, with regular refreshing of the panel to prevent respondent fatigue. Surveys have been conducted using postal and telephone interviews and facilities exist for conducting surveys by e-mail.

Local Development Framework

Struggling with the challenges of LDF? We have been there and done it for a number of local authorities. Full consultation plus an active communications programme involving the public, residents' organisations, local schools and, not least, businesses. Methodologoes include: postal surveys, in-the-street and house-to-house interviewing, focus groups and web surveys.

Communications and websites

Research has been conducted to examine communication and response standards and the effectiveness of new communication channels such as websites. Research techniques include focus groups and telephone interviews.

Direct labour surveys

Performance and customer satisfaction measures have been carried out for direct labour organisations in local authorities. These have been required as part of the on-going target setting and monitoring process. Surveys have been carried out using face-to-face, telephone and postal interviews.

National Lottery applications

Surveys to establish levels of local support for applications for Lottery Funding have been carried out. These surveys generally require a specified level of statistical reliability and to match the socio-economic profile of the locality. Research to establish usage levels and satisfaction with park and leisure facilities have been carried out. We also partner with leisure management consultants to develop management plans for leisure facilities. Facilities which have been the subject of research include historic houses, parkland, urban parks and sports and recreation centres. Research techniques include focus groups, street and telephone interviewing.

Perception of college/learning provider (POC)

In an environment where schools, colleges and universities are competing for students and for funding an increasingly important tool is the perception of college study. We have undertaken these using self completion questionnaires, by phone and using focus groups interviewing students, lecturers or teachers, the senior management team and even employers. Employer surveys are frequently conducted to identify training needs where a college may be offering business training.

Transport surveys

We have carried out surveys covering both bus and train public transport. Surveys include satisfaction and standards of performance research using a variety of research techniques. The results are used to develop transport strategies and to develop staff training programmes. Research techniques include street, on bus and train and in-home interviewing, telephone interviewing and mystery shopping.

Staff surveys

Surveys of staff have been undertaken in a variety of organisations to establish effectiveness of internal communications, levels of morale and the effectiveness of equal opportunity and anti-bullying policies. Research has been carried out by postal and telephone survey as well as focus groups.