Community Consultation is at the heart of the government's agenda. It is now an integral part of any successful project. We employ both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Quantitative surveys
Quantitative surveys include:

Postal surveys
We use postal surveys in order to capture large-scale quantitative data. We can advise on appropriate sample sizes. We regularly achieve high response rates through reminder mailing and telephone follow up.

Questionnaire design
Our approach to designing a good questionnaire is to follow a few simple maxims:

vary the types of questions we ask,

• put the questions in the appropriate order, e.g. starting off with questions that are easy to answer and most relevant
• ask the questions in a balanced way,
• use plain English and avoid jargon
• a balance between ‘open’ and ‘closed’ questions
• good layout

Qualitative methods

Group discussions
We use group discussions to bring together a group of people and have a discussion focused on a number of related topics. We try to bring together people that have a common characteristic because if there is empathy within the group this supports the development of open and honest discussion.

Peer sessions
Whilst group discussions work well with adult participants, they are not so successful when consulting harder-to-engage groups such as young people and black and ethnic minorities. We use peer sessions where we ask one participant some of their peers to participate. The groups are self-selecting, so the peers know one another and the sessions takes place on ‘their territory’, at a time convenient to them.

Consulting young people
We have a successful track record of engaging with young people. Peer sessions are one way of doing this. However when it is desirable to collect a substantial volume of data from young people, we use a web based questionnaire which can be used by schools in citizenship classes or other appropriate classes.

Play Strategy for Erewash Borough Council

We have undertaken a series of consultations to support the Play Strategy including:

• Consultations with young people in a variety of settings.
• Consultation workshops with key organizations
• Interviews with Parish Councils

Client: Erewash Borough Council

Audience Development Plan for Bury Mount

We consulted stakeholders about the future of a Norman Motte in the centre of Towcester. This is located in a Conservation Area which is likely to experience significant development in the future. The study included the evaluation of different options and concluded that the site should be the focus of a new park in the town.

Client: South Northamptonshire District Council.