 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
Section
D:
Choosing The Method, A Guide to Community Consultation and Research Methods
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
||||||||
Service User Groups
| Summary | These are small groups of service users, usually
between 8 and 12 people, brought together to discuss a service
or particular service issue. They can be used for a variety of
purposes, e.g. to involve users in decision making, for market
research or to provide more in-depth qualitative information on
an issue. Whatever the purpose and role of the group, it is important
that this is made explicit to participants so that they have realistic
expectations. Group participants should broadly reflect the characteristics
of service users. User groups generally meet on a regular basis,
which enables a rapport to develop and trust to be built up between
group members. Membership tends to be time limited so that members
do not become ‘experts’ or empathise too much with
the Council. |
|
| Examples | User groups are used by Bradford sports centres and
swimming pools where users need to be consulted in more depth about
a particular issue that has been highlighted through the comments
card scheme (see examples under ‘User Complaints and Comments
Schemes’). These user groups are held as and when required
and do not have a fixed membership. |
|
| Useful for | Obtaining users’ views on proposed changes.
Obtaining new ideas and suggestions. Identifying problem areas
early. |
|
| Not useful | Where the views of a large representative sample
are required. Findings from user groups cannot be generalised to
the wider population. One person could end up dominating the group
and influencing what others say. Excludes non- users. |
|
| Equal Rights | The venue needs to be accessible and convenient for all participants, and should ideally be neutral (not a Council office). Information may need to be provided in different languages and formats. You may need to think about providing transport and child care to ensure that all sections of the community have the opportunity to attend. |
|
| Costs | Costs are minimal but include room hire, refreshments, staff time in running groups and recruiting members. |
|
| Time Scale | 3-4 months |
|
| Contact | Richard Smith | 01274 433839 |
| Steve Warner | 01535 681763 | |
| Sports centre user forums | ||
| Top | ||
| Section C | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 | Section E |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
Introduction and Framework Section A Section B Section C Section D Section E |
||||
 |
 |
 |
||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
