The Department of Health has appointed Opinion Leader to conduct a wide ranging programme of research and engagement which will support the government’s consultation on a future strategy for adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC). Opinion Leader was appointed after a three-way pitch led by the Central Office of Information (COI).
The purpose of the programme, still in its early stages, is to provide insight, explore reactions and generate solutions to enable adults with ASC living life as full and equal citizens.
Katie Shearn, Associate Director at Opinion Leader and project lead said: “Our aim is to ensure that as wide a range of people with ASC are able to be involved as possible. In engaging with such a diverse audience we are using a blend of traditional and innovative research methods to ensure there are options that are suitable for all. We have provided an alternative solution to stakeholder engagement which ensures that people with ASC are at the centre of the debate – a debate which they can meaningfully contribute to.”
The programme is a tailored blend of qualitative research methodologies including mini focus groups, one-to-one interviews, video ethnography, case study interview suites, online community and focus groups reconvened to nine regional stakeholder events where ideas and solutions can be debated and prioritised.
Viki Cooke, Chair expressed her enthusiasm about the project: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to combine skills across the division, including more recent offerings such as our online engagement platform and show how an integrated approach can add value to such a challenging and interesting project.”
A final report will be presented to the Department of Health in October 2009.
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Notes to editors:
Opinion Leader
Founded in 1992, Opinion Leader is a market research consultancy specialising in deliberative, qualitative and quantitative research and consultation, with a strong emphasis on innovative solutions. Since 1992 we have been at the forefront of pioneering new solutions to problems including increasing public participation in policy debate and the difficulty of engaging excluded audiences.
Opinion Leader is part of the Chime Group’s Research and Engagement Division including sister agencies Facts International, Caucus, Naked Eye, Brand Democracy and Ledbury Research.
Opinion Leader has previously delivered similar large scale, multi-stage and multi-strand programmes to support strategy development, often engaging with hard-to-reach groups. For example, a large scale piece of work for the Department of Health (DH) on the New Deal for Carers strategy. We understand the policy context well and are currently also working with the Office of Disability Issues (ODI) on a programme of work with professionals on the Independent Living Strategy.
Department of Health
The Department of Health (DH) exists to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England, including the quality and convenience of care provided by the NHS and social services. Its work includes setting national standards, shaping the direction of health and social care services and promoting healthier living. DH sets the strategic framework for adult social care and influence local authority spend on social care.
DH’s work in setting direction includes strategy, policy, legislation and regulation, allocating resources, the NHS operating framework and Local Area Agreements.
Central Office of Information (COI)
The Central Office of Information (COI) is the Government's centre of excellence for marketing and communications.COI works with government departments and the public sector to produce information campaigns on issues that affect the lives of every citizen - from health and education to benefits, rights and welfare. The organisation combines expertise in marketing communications with an understanding of government systems and procurement policies. COI provides consultancy, procurement and project management in every area of communications and strives to achieve best value for government in each of its service groups.
For more information please contact:
Katie Shearn
Associate Director
Opinion Leader
T: 020 7861 3204
E: kshearn@opinionleader.co.uk
