Appendix I: Elements to consider when assessing the cost of running the survey
Each CASSR should be able to estimate how much it will have to spend on the survey by drawing on its experience of running previous surveys as well as consideration of the process outlined in the guidance. Costs will involve: The fields needed for the data return are as follows.
Staff time: surveys are staff intensive activities. CASSRs might consider appointing a project manager to ensure all the necessary stages of the survey progress according to timetable and to take responsibility for selecting the sample and negotiating with social workers. More routine activities could be allocated to other staff, for example checking the sample, getting all the necessary documents printed, sending out questionnaires and reminders, monitoring response and booking in returned questionnaires. More specialist activities such as local level analysis of the results could be allocated to trained staff.
Stationery: not only will copies of questionnaires have to be printed but also covering letters to carers in the sample and reminder letters. Envelopes will have to be provided and stuffed, address labels will have to be attached and postage paid.
Other costs: on the few occasions when the respondent requests the questionnaire to be administered by telephone or face-to-face interview, the cost of phone bills and interviewers needs to be accounted for.
Last edited: 23 October 2023 4:38 pm