Getting Involved

28 August 2008

Herefordshire Voice Citizens' Panel

 

What is Herefordshire Voice?

Herefordshire Voice is the Citizens' Panel for and in Herefordshire. It is a sample in terms of gender, age, economic status and ward of approximately 1,000 local residents who have agreed to participate in consultation processes, and can provide a reliable cross-section of local views. It is maintained to provide a basis for survey research and is intended to:

  • provide information to Councillors, managers and partners to inform service improvement;
  • help contribute to greater satisfaction with the partner organisations (because people are better informed); and
    support Best Value Reviews by tracking changes in views / satisfaction.


How does the Panel work?

  • the Panel was first recruited during the winter 2000/2001.
  • consultation with the whole Panel generally takes place three or four times a year.
  • consultation is generally by postal survey
  • sometimes a survey is commissioned by a single Council department or Partner organisation; sometimes surveys are shared by a number of departments or organisations;
  • parts of the Panel may be used for selective surveys and other forms of consultation, such as focus groups.

What can the Panel be used for?

  • help organisations understand better the needs of the community.
  • show the level of public knowledge about services and the extent to which people know what is available and how to access it.
  • ensure services are designed to meet public needs and priorities.
  • monitor satisfaction and identify causes of dissatisfaction.
  • identify who uses services and reasons for non-use.
  • help set service standards and evaluate specific quality initiatives.


How can I get involved?

If you are interested in joining Herefordshire Voice, please let us know by emailing researchteam@herefordshire.gov.uk

 



Copyright © The Herefordshire Partnership 2008

Herefordshire Partnership, PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0XH. Telephone: 01432 261792 e-mail: hfdpartnership@herefordshire.gov.uk