The survey community is facing severe challenges in implementing surveys using pre-pandemic approaches. There are knowledge gaps regarding the advantages and disadvantages of different data collection techniques and innovative approaches such as push-to-web, knock-to-nudge and video interviewing, and particularly in the mixed-mode context. And there is limited capacity both of skilled interviewers and of research professionals. Recent developments are leading to changes in commissioner requirements for face-to-face data collection as well as having implications for fieldwork costs and the role of interviewers. In several areas of survey methodology, the need for development of fit-for-purpose methods and the need to identify and communicate best practice is urgent.
Survey Futures is a response to these challenges and aims to deliver a step change in approaches to collecting population survey data in the UK. It will do this primarily through a rigorous programme of research focused on ensuring large-scale social surveys in the UK can innovate and adapt in a changing environment and continue to deliver high quality and inclusive data for research and policy. Outputs will have a strong practical orientation, consisting of good practice guidance for survey design, survey implementation, survey commissioners and survey data users, all backed up by rigorous and well-documented research and with a range of associated activities to ensure that the lessons are disseminated to all relevant stakeholders and, where appropriate, embedded in institutional practice in a timely manner. Survey Futures seeks to enable a whole community dialogue and collaborative response to these wider strategic challenges and issues, as well as incorporating a strong training and capacity building component.
Survey Futures is funded by the UKRI-ESRC for a three-year period beginning in July 2023.
If you have a bona fide interest in social surveys in the UK – whether as a commissioner, survey designer/methodologist, survey manager, or survey data user – there are several ways in which you can contribute.
Research Programme
Training and Capacity Building Stream
Survey Practice Forum