Local Government and Public Sector Reform

Research and evaluation has never been more important for local government in Scotland.  But making sure the research delivers real value as management information requires a keen understanding of what research can, and cannot, do.

We work with clients to offer the most appropriate techniques to help them really get to grips with the attitudes, experiences and aspirations of those they serve. These approaches range from surveys (postal, face to face and telephone or online), to qualitative research among hard to reach groups, and innovative deliberative techniques to stimulate debate on complex issues – for example budget setting and service planning. We have helped our clients answer important questions such as:

• Why were a council’s plans to transfer council housing stock rejected by tenants?
• What is the uptake of new digital media and what barriers lie in the path of widening the audience for online communication and service delivery?
• What do young people think of their area and what can be done to improve their access to facilities and services?
• How do Black and Minority Ethnic groups view their local councils and the services it provides?

Our work is not just among residents however; we have conducted research among a range of audiences with a stake in Scottish local government, including council members and officers, and the wider local government family (COSLA, SOLACE, Scottish Government etc).

Current Projects

Glasgow Household Survey 2012
Since 1999, Glasgow City Council has consulted with its residents through a twice yearly household survey. The survey is used to explore residents’ perceptions of services provided by the Council, as well as specific issues, such as crime, transport and recycling. The Council have commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake a further set of household surveys in 2011.
Fieldwork for the first survey will be conducted in March and April 2012 and the second survey will take place in September and October 2012. For each survey, Ipsos MORI will interview a representative quota sample of 1,000 residents, aged 16 and over across the Glasgow City Council area. All interviews will be administered face-to-face in respondents’ homes.

For more information, please contact Sara Davidson on 0131 220 5699.


Click here to see a list of Past Projects