Effective Focus Groups
A Focus group is a small numbers of people who are invited to attend informal discussion session on a particular topic. For example it can be useful to hold a Focus Group to investigate what the issues are prior to designing survey questions.
Consideration should be given to the advantages and disadvantageous of using focus groups to consult with the public and service users on key issues before using this method of consultation.
- Focus Groups explore the views of the consultees rather than give an immediate answer
- Qualitative information is gained rather than quantititive information
- A series of focus group meetings may be needed to either cover a range of issues or gain the views of a wider sample of the population
- Focus Groups can be useful for tackling sensitive and difficult issues
If you feel that this is the most appropriate method of consultation then proceed with the planning process for the event. If not consider alternative consultation methods.
Key Points to consider when planning a focus group:
- Identify the aims and purpose of the focus group
- Decide whether a single focus group meeting will meet your needs or whether you need to meet more than once
- Identify a budget for the hire of the venue, catering, facilitator, travel costs (if this is an incentive to attend)
- Appoint an experienced facilitator who can encourage participation from all attendees. A cost would apply if you use an external consultation
- Investigate the best time of day to hold the meeting to ensure a good attendance
- Book a venue with good transport links and adequate parking
- Think about access to the venue for people with a physical disability and the needs of people with sensory impairments e.g. loop system
- Design the questions using an easy to understand language style. (The facilitator will give input to this)
- When selecting the sample for the focus group aim for around 6 to 8 people representative of the area/topic you want to discuss
- Identify who will provide administrative support e.g. sending out invitations, sending thank-you letters, dealing with expence claims etc.
- Identify someone to take notes of the focus group, and to manage time to ensure that the time allocated is proportioned to cover all the questions
- Agree how much you want reported from the Focus Group. For example key findings to inform survey design or a detailed report to address more complex issues
- Think about how you will report the findings back to the Focus Group. e.g. ClacksWeb, paper copy, audio copy (for partically sighted and blind people)
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Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Performance and Partnership Support
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: customerservice@clacks.gov.uk
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