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Sexual Orientation Research Phase 2 The Future of LGBT Research - Perspectives of Community Organisations

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SEXUAL ORIENTATION RESEARCH PHASE 2:
THE FUTURE OF LGBT RESEARCH - PERSPECTIVES OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

APPENDIX II:Topic Guide

EXPLORING THE NEED FOR POLICY RESEARCH IN LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES IN SCOTLAND
Stage Two:
Topic guide for interviews with representatives
of LGBT organisations in Scotland

Stage Two involves interviews with as many representatives as possible of the (approximately) eighty or so LGBT organisations identified by the Equality Network as established in Scotland. The aims of the research are:

  • to explore what are considered as policy priority areas by the representatives

  • to identify what data needs are required by LGBT organisations

  • to understand current dissemination and accessing of data on LGBT communities by LGBT organisations

  • to elicit perspectives on potential barriers to collection of data on LGBT communities

  • to gather ideas and suggestions for the way forward

Remind about: the National Centre (Scotland presence)

Scottish Executive commission/ Equality Network involvement
Focus on research/data needs
Tape recorder, confidentiality, use of flipchart

1. Background information

  • Organisation represented

  • Community represented by the organisation

  • Remit of the organisation (including key goals, geographical area covered)

  • Respondent's role within the organisation and how long in this role

2. Policy priorities and concomitant data needs

Purpose here is to examine perceptions and potential of establishing research priorities for LGBT communities in Scotland. Previous Thematic Seminar findings displayed on flipchart to stimulate group discussion of LGBT research priorities.

  • Specific policy areas and issues viewed most pressing/ necessary (flipchart collation)

  • Nature of issues

  • How issue manifested/ effects of existing policy around issue on LGBT communities

  • Possibility of developing priority order to issues

  • Issues viewed greater or lesser priorities; reasons why

  • Perceived current barriers to addressing these issues

3. Data needs in relation to identified LGBT issues

Purpose here is to generate discussion around current data on LGBT communities and data gaps

  • Existing data on LGBT issues identified

  • sources of existing research

  • availability

  • usefulness/Adequacy

  • explore views about competence of existing research methods

  • identify models of good practice/most useful

  • LGBT issues requiring further data

  • Kinds and types of data required (e.g. survey, qualitative, longitudinal etc)

  • Explore why different types of data needed (e.g. community development, campaigns, lobbying, others..)

  • What would data/research contribute to communities/policy development

  • What data is most needed (again try to establish priority)

  • Responsibility for commissioning/funding research

4. Current use and access to data on LGBT communities

Purpose here is to understand how current data on LGBT communities is used, shared and accessed by LGBT organisations in Scotland and any emergent data gaps

  • General awareness of sources of information/research on LGBT issues in Scotland for:

    • planning services

    • planning campaigns

    • planning training programmes

  • Views about adequacy of these services

  • Current sources of information used by organisations (primary and secondary sources, in house and external)

    • Extent and nature of sharing between LGBT organisations in Scotland of:

    • research expertise

    • research data

    • research findings

  • How this sharing occurs LGBT organisations occurs, if at all (for all three research levels, above)

  • Perceived gaps in information on LGBT issues

    • Implications of information gaps on:

    • services provided by LGBT organisations

    • on LGBT communities more generally

5. Barriers and facilitators to the collection and availability of data on sexual orientation

Purpose here is to establish those factors perceived as hindering or helping collection and dissemination of data on LGBT communities in Scotland

  • Extent to which current data collection on LGBT communities in Scotland is sufficient

  • If not, barriers and difficulties experienced/ identified in such data collection (including perceived priority attached to the issue; methodological difficulties, etc.)

  • Reasons for barriers

  • Steps to be taken to overcome barriers

  • Preferred methods for collecting data on LGBT issues

    • any useful examples/lessons

    • any principles

6. Looking to the future

  • Suggestions for the way forward/ messages to take back to policy makers

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Page updated: Friday, June 24, 2005