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How to research and consult hard to reach groups - an introduction

How can you make sure your work in the community doesn’t exclude the most vulnerable – the ones who will benefit most?


You know the problem, I’m sure. All too often you can’t use textbook research and consultation methods with people who are hard to find or reach. They simply don’t work.

This is unfortunate because as you know they’re the ones who often most need a voice.

Ethnic minorities. Migrants and those seeking asylum. The homeless. Those who are discriminated against because of their sexuality. The countless undocumented individuals. Those who experience financial exclusion and those who are vulnerable due to their lifestyle. 

That’s why we are being asked increasingly to ensure that our services meet the needs of everyone in the community. That there should be true equality of service

This is easier said than done, as you know.

To achieve it, we must really understand what all the people we provide services to go through and what they need – above all those I have been talking about. All too easily because they are hard to reach, they can be ignored – genuinely left on the chilly margins of our society.  

There’s another reason, though. The current concern about communities getting along with each other means that managing to understand and help the kind of people I’m talking about is utterly essential. If you don’t, the future is barely worth thinking about.

That’s why we are introducing an entirely new one day course. Using real case studies and the experiences of delegates we’ll cover many practical ways to get to these groups, find out what they think and feel - and really involve them.

We’ll look at exactly how their situations make them different and better understand why they don’t participate

We’ll look at the formal and informal techniques that help you to gain their views and involve them.

Just as important, we’ll look at how you can best work to involve them and keep them involved.

You will also find many other highly relevant topics covered:

Your trainer

These are some of the reasons why we have asked Andy Steele, of Salford University to put together an entirely new one day course on this vitally important topic.

Andy has been involved in research with ‘marginalised’ communities for over 15 years, and has conducted extensive research into how best to consult with the groups I am talking about. 

The benefits of a day like this are hard to overstate. And the importance of the subject has never been greater. You will find your own efforts become so much more fruitful if you discover what Andy has learned from so many years of experience.   

What delegates have to say about this course and trainer

"Lots of ideas. Very pragmatic. Lots to share with colleagues and local organisations."
Margaret Swift, Service Improvement Officer, Watford Community Housing Trust

"Great ideas for consultation and engaging and the importance of it."
Sally Russell, Tenant and Resident Association Support Officer, Shoreline Housing Partnership

"I found this course very informative and interesting. The areas covered provided ample information that will be of great value back in my area of work from a practical angle."
Kamla Joshi, Partnerships Officer, South Buckinghamshire District Council

"I was able to find real solutions to some of the challenges I face in my role through group discussion and expert advice from the trainer!"
Patricia Witter, Consultation Officer, London Borough of Lambeth

"Very good course - clear and focused, well paced and relevant. Structure to work to and framework to think about."
Nicole Carter, Corporate Communications Manager, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service

"This course gave me an increase in knowledge."
Loraine Duckworth, Partnership Development Officer, City of Edinburgh Council

"I found the course to be informative, interesting, inspiring, pitched at he right level, good delivery by Andy, related to real life examples and was receptive to audience comments.  The course improved my knowledge and understanding of the issue, in particular communities. Very enjoyable."
Philip Webb, Policy Officer, London Borough of Enfield



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