FOI20/21 136Scottish Stakeholder Research Programme

In the SQA News publication in May 2020 the following information was provided:

Ashbrook Research & Consultancy

Every year, we ask Ashbrook to carry out a programme of research among our key stakeholders. Even though the current social distancing measures are proving a challenge to us all, we still need to ensure that you have the opportunity to share your views with us.

This research will commence with employers and training providers over the next couple of weeks. We will carry out the school and college fieldwork in early June so that the research doesn't clash with the 29 May deadline for submitting National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher estimates.

Carrying out this research helps us to measure how we support you and identifies improvements that we can make. If you are contacted by one of the Ashbrook researchers and are able to take part in their short survey, we will be extremely grateful, as you will be helping to shape the way in which we continue to support you.

Under FOISA I would like the SQA to release material relating to the research referred to above.

Please provide:

1.         The final report provided to the SQA

2.         Any supporting material provided to the SQA if not also included in the report (for example, details of the question)

3.         Any submissions to the research by the SQA if not also included in full in the report

The research referred to in your quote above from the SQA News Publication in May 2020 is part of our Scottish stakeholder research programme.   SQA has a contract to provide an ongoing programme of stakeholder research to inform the work that SQA carries out. This is awarded under the Scottish Government Marketing Services framework. All research companies on the framework are asked to tender for the contract as and when it comes up for renewal, in line with the framework rules.