Explanation about what we mean by qualitative research, focus groups, stakeholders, etc. We expalin it all here.

Audience Development Plan (ADP)

This plan outlines who a services current users are, what they like about the service, and why they use it. It also describes the services potential or non users; why don’t they use the service, and what could change to make them want to use it. The plan takes into account issues around equality and highlights areas where unintentional exclusion could be taking place and how this could be remedied.

Closed Questions

A question where your answer is limited to one of a few options, like ‘yes’/‘no’ or ‘satisfied’/‘not satisfied’. These questions produce quantitative results.

Consultation

Two-way communication between the Council and the public, where ideas can be exchanged and both parties can learn from each other.

Data

Data is all the results that we collect from a consultation before it has been analysed, for example the numbers and percentages collected from a questionnaire. Data is mostly meaningless until it is analysed and converted into useful information.

Elected Members

These are the County Councillors that are elected by the public.

Facilitators

These are the people who run a consultation event.

Information

Information is what we get from the raw data after it has been analysed. When the data has been converted into information, it can then be used to inform the decisions we make.

Methodology

The way in which a consultation is carried out. To find out more about different methodologies, click here.

Officer

A member of Council staff.

Online Form

A page on the Internet where questions can be filled in electronically. They are much like the traditional forms or questionnaires you might be used to but have many more advantages e.g. the information submitted can be automatically entered into a database which analyses the results; helpful prompts can be added to each box to help you fill them in correctly; and resources and time are saved as there is less administration and no printing costs.

Open Question

A question where you are free to express your own personal views in the answer. This kind of question produces qualitative results.

Procurement

This term relates to how the Council finds and buys the resources that it needs to provide services. Resources can include everything from office stationery to contractors for a building project. For more information please read 'How to do business with the Council'. 

Qualitative

A method of consultation which collects opinion based, anecdotal evidence e.g. discussion groups and comment cards.

Quantitative

A method of consultation which collects figures based, statistical data e.g. questionnaire and ballots.

Respondent

The person who is answering questions or giving comments in the consultation.

Services

Services the Council provide, including, for example: home care, libraries, road maintenance, local tips and schools.

Stakeholders

Anyone who holds an interest in the service. This can include members of the public and service users, partner agencies (such as the Police Force, the Health Authority or the voluntary sector), or staff working in the Council.

User

A person who uses one or more of the services that the Council provides.