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ViewPoint - Residents' Research Panel

What is ViewPoint?

ViewPoint is a 1000 strong residents' research panel statistically representative of the population of Torbay, acting as a statistically reliable thermometer of their thinking and accurate to within three percent.

ViewPoint was set up during the summer of 1998, following a mail out to 10,000 local people selected, at random, from the electoral register. The 1991 Census data was used to balance the first panel, ward by ward, using quotas for gender, age and working status.

During 2003, following the publication of 2001 census results, the panel underwent a major refreshment and panelists took part in a number of key consultations looking at general satisfaction with the council, fear of crime and highways.

Viewpoint was refreshed again in 2007 this new panel will be key in influencing policy and decision making in Torbay.

If you would like further information, please contact The Community Engagement and Research Team.

How does it work?

Panellists are asked to complete two to three postal questionnaires per year.

They can also be consulted through face-to-face / telephone interviews, Discussion Groups and Ad-hoc single-issue questionnaires. Panellists receive a Newsletter once a year showing how their views are influencing policy.

The panel will be continuously refreshed to ensure it remains representative, and all questions are independently verified.

Why use ViewPoint?

Best Value places an obligation to regularly consult our customers.
Research panels are more cost effective than one-off surveys.
Helps ensure effective targeting of expenditure.
In line with current and emerging central government policy advice.

What can we do with the results?

Test likely responses to potential policies.
Rapid sampling of public opinion.
Find out how the bay is thinking on a current issue - either local or national.
Service appraisal.
Identify the issues that concern council customers.
Discover the effectiveness of council policies.
Assess the priorities of council customers.

Who can use ViewPoint?

The ViewPoint research tool can be used by any council department, and is available for use by other organisations by negotiation.

Please contact the Community Engagement and Research Team for more information on ViewPoint.