Evaluation
Both organisations were asked:
- How did you find the conversation approach to data collection?
- How did your participants find the conversation format?
- Do you have any suggestions that could strengthen our approach?
- Any further thoughts that you would like us to know?
We have included both organisations responses to each question below.
How did you find the conversation approach to data collection?
Both organisations said the flexible approach made it easier to run the conversations as part of their existing services.
They also said it helped them understand the people using their services better. One organisation highlighted that being able to adapt the conversation for different audiences increased participation, including from people who may not normally feel comfortable sharing their views.
The process of data collection felt straight forward and fitted how we meet individuals and we were able to explain what we were doing.” Hayley’s Williton CIC
The questions were great and presented a really great way for us to get to know those accessing us -even better.” Hayley’s Williton CIC
The conversation approach was a really useful strategy as it enabled us to discuss the issues/questions in different ways with different audiences. This flexible manner definitely gave us responses from families who wouldn’t normally respond or give their opinions as they often feel they are being judged. We would welcome this fluid and flexible manner in the future as it gave us the opportunity to broach the subject and required responses without attendees feeling uncomfortable.” Minehead Eye
How did your participants find the conversation format?
Both organisations said the conversation format worked well within their existing groups and trusted environments.
They reported that the relaxed and informal style helped people feel comfortable, confident and empowered to share their views. Participants also expressed interest taking part in future discussions using this approach.
It fitted well with our structure in group for our wellbeing sessions and being able to use the sessions to create the space to have honest discussions.” Hayley’s Williton CIC
If anything, the conversation format gave a good number of recipients the belief that their new ideas and opinions not only matter, but provide ideas that would be sought after and praised by the professionals seeking feedback. The majority stated they felt comfortable offering their feedback as it was done in a relaxed and non judgemental manner. An approach they not only said they’d prefer in the future, but would actually welcome to contribute to.” Minehead Eye
Do you have any suggestions that could strengthen our approach?
Both organisations valued the personal approach and the opportunity to ask questions face to face.
They suggested allowing a longer timescale in future. This would help them plan better, target specific groups, and reach a wider range of people across the area.
It actually has been very good as we got to meet with you face to face to have a better understanding of the process and ask any big questions we might have had.” Hayley’s Williton CIC
Going forward we’d welcome a great timescale to gain responses, and enable us to put the conversation to a broader diversity of audiences across the area.” Minehead Eye
Any further thoughts that you would like us to know?
Both organisations said they would welcome using this flexible conversation approach again in the future. They felt it helped them engage different audiences in a way that felt comfortable and appropriate.
One organisation also noted that physical vouchers were well received because many of their attendees were not online and could otherwise have been excluded.
We very much appreciated the vouchers coming to our wellbeing groups as hard copy rather than an online code as many of our attendees are not all online users.” Hayley’s Williton CIC
Regarding the conversation we were happy and comfortable to put it towards the groups we engaged with as it gave us the flexibility to put it across appropriately to each audience without causing conflicts or reluctance. If we were approached to gain further feedback in the future then we would welcome a similar strategy to be used if possible.” Minehead Eye