CWDC stakeholder perception survey

We have commissioned BMG Research, an independent research agency, to undertake a survey which looks at how our stakeholders perceive our communications, in addition to awareness and perceptions of our role. The survey will be held twice a year for three years.

BMG Research conduct stakeholder perception research for the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and we have deliberately imitated methodology and survey as in the future we might be able to draw comparisons between the organisations.

This survey will collect responses from 2,700 of our stakeholders, representing a breadth of early years, youth work, social work and people working in education welfare and social care for children and young people across England.

The stakeholder base was classified into three broad segments:

• Senior stakeholders (SSH)
• Third sector organisations (TSOs)
• Practitioners (Ps).

Following analysis of the stakeholder base, via desk research and consultation with CWDC, the following targets were set for each of the six waves of telephone research commissioned for 2009-11:

• 450 senior stakeholders (approx 50 per Government Office (GO) region). This target was revised down due to a lesser number of contacts than anticipated. Final sample was 396.
• 450 TSOs (approx 50 per GO region). Final sample was 451.
• 1,800 practitioners (approx 200 per GO region). Final sample was 1,941.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork for the baseline survey was delayed by the process of compiling and refining contact lists for each of these three segments, as well as obtaining necessary approvals e.g. Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS). Fieldwork began for each sample as soon as lists and approvals were obtained. This resulted in a field start of early May for TSOs, mid-May for practitioners and end of May for senior stakeholders. All fieldwork was completed by 28 July 2009. A total of 2,788 interviews were completed in all. All fieldwork was undertaken by CATI (computer aided telephone interviewing).

Fieldwork was undertaken by a team of around 15 dedicated, senior BMG interviewers, from within BMG's 140-seater call centre. Appointments were made where appropriate, with call backs as necessary to secure an interview. Background information was supplied in the case of senior stakeholders, who were understandably often unwilling to participate without knowing more about the commissioning organisation.

Summary of findings

CWDC stakeholder survey 2009 - wave 1 summary [Powerpoint - 3.3 Mb]  
CWDC stakeholder survey 2009 - wave 2 summary [Powerpoint - 4 Mb]