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ANNEX 4. INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Tool for semi-structured interviews
1. Introduction
Semi-structured interviews are conducted with a fairly open framework which allows for focused, conversational, two-way information.
Below is a list of suggested areas which could be covered with stakeholders, tailored appropriately to the individual interviewee.
These form a broad initial topic guide which may be amended as issues emerge. Some questions are set out below for guidance; however it's not expected that all questions are designed and phrased ahead of time. A number will be created during the interview, allowing both the interviewer and the stakeholder being interviewed the flexibility to probe for details or discuss issues.
2. Informed consent
A copy of the attached information sheet will be given to each interviewee. The researcher will talk it through with her/him and draw attention to the nature of the confidentiality of the research and its future publication. She will give the interviewee the opportunity to ask any questions. Before commencing the interview the researcher will confirm the interviewee's agreement to participate on basis outlined in the information sheet.
3. Topic guide
- Interviewee's contact with SDF - nature and over what time period.
- SDF performance and impact
- View of key contributions/strengths and weakness over last 4 years
- View of priorities going forward: any changes needed and particularly opportunities/challenges for SDF in context of recovery approach
- Effectiveness of SDF in the following roles:
- Representing sector & membership
- Quality of services/ NQS
- Training
- User engagement
- Services to members
- Dissemination of information to key stakeholders
- SDF structure & coverage
- SDF relationship management
- With stakeholders, SG, ADATS, frontline services etc
- Communication with the sector and with the wider community
- SDF self-evaluation and performance management
- Governance & risk management
- VFM & financial procedures
4. Possible questions
General questions
Establish name and job title of interviewee
Ask about their contact and relationship with SDF - over what time period? What nature & frequency of contact?
Stress need to respond based on direct evidence of particular area.
Ask their view of the "drugs sector" and the current state of play/morale
Performance and impact
Where does SDF fit into the sector?
What have been the major successes of SDF? Have there been any particular challenges or weaknesses?
What do you see as SDF's strategic priorities? How are these affected by the recovery policy?
SDF's strategic priorities for 2006-09 - which of these do you see as the most important?
SDF's aims for 2006-09 - which of these do you see as the most important?
To what extent has SDF had an impact on problem drug use in Scotland?
Are there issues which still need tackling by SDF and, if so, what are they?
Effectiveness of SDF roles:
- Contribution to policy
- Representing sector & membership
- Quality of services/ NQS
- Training
- User engagement
- Services to members
Which are relevant to interviewee/does s/he come into contact with these?
Should SDF have a particular focus on any of these and, if so, why?
Structure & coverage
Does SDF cover the whole of Scotland effectively? Should it, or should it focus on particular areas and what should the criteria for selection be? Does it cover the different equalities groups effectively?
Self-evaluation and performance management
Does SDF consistently monitor its performance against its business plan and objectives set by funding bodies? How does it so this? Are there any areas where change/improvement is needed?
Questions for Staff
- How effective is SDF's human resources management?
- Do staff have individual targets, in line with the overall targets of the organisation? Are staff regularly supervised and appraised?
- If so, how are the results of supervision and appraisal used/implemented?
- Are there any areas where improvement/change is needed?
- Is there a formal induction process?
- Are training needs clearly identified in management and supervision and acted upon?
Questions for Funders
- What information do you receive from SDF?
- Are you able to tell from that if your funding objectives are being met or not?
- Any other points about performance reports to you?
Governance & risk management
Is the SDF Board clear about its functions? Is there a clear divide between the strategic role of the Board and the executive functions of the Management team?
Do the Board and Management Team of SDF take informed, transparent decisions and manage risk?
Is there an effective risk management system in operation?
Do the Board have the skills, knowledge and experience they need to perform well?
What training needs audits and capacity building are carried out with members of the Board to ensure its members can comply with their strategic role?
Questions for members:
- How are you involved/informed/consulted re SDF's plans?
- Do you feel SDF represent the views of the membership effectively?
VFM & financial procedures
This is a separate specialist section but some of the questions below may be incorporated into the general stakeholder interviews.
For SDF
How do business plan objectives feed through to financial projections?
How are objectives monitored and what information is collected to assist monitoring?
How often are the financials reviewed by (a) Management & (b) the Board?
How are new business ideas (investments) decided on and approved?
Is there a formal investment appraisal process - provide examples?
Is there a formal evaluation process to review investments?
Is there a Risk Register?
How is RR used - Who compiles it? Who looks at it? How does it influence day-to-day management of the business?
How are budgets managed? How often are forecasts updated? How often does the Board review financials and feed back comments to management?
How does the Board discuss the risks of being relatively dependent on the SG for its funding?
For SG
How is SDFVFM assessed ex ante - Does internal approval process include a formal VFM analysis?
How often do you receive management information from SDF?
Does SDF send data on their performance against funding objectives?
Do you see the SDF Risk Register to help understand the risks associated with SG funding?
Do you require SDF to raise additional funds on the back of your core funding?
How do you determine which non-core funded projects should be funded?
Are there any non-core projects you have declined to fund?
For Auditors
Is the Board aware of its financial responsibilities?
Does the Board formally review the RR?
Does the Board discuss its relatively high dependency on the SG for its funding?
Appendix
Review of the Scottish Drugs Forum
Information for people interviewed as part of the stakeholder survey
The Scottish Government has appointed the Saren Dixon Partnership to undertake an independent review of the Scottish Drugs Forum ( SDF). Jane Saren, Diane Dixon, Lesley Bloomer and Jo Armstrong are the consultants undertaking this piece of work and they will produce a final report at the end of April 2009. The Scottish Drugs Forum is co-operating and participating fully in this review
The review has two areas of specific focus: SDF's performance in providing value for money in relation to the funding provided by the Scottish Government period 2004 -2008; and an assessment of how the organisation is placed to contribute to the implementation of the new approach set out in the new drug strategy "The Road to Recovery". The consultants will also address the effectiveness of financial controls including internal and external audit.
Part of the work involves a stakeholder survey and you have been identified as a key participant in this. The survey is considered an important part of the research: the views and experiences it collects will be used to inform the final research report and recommendations.
All information given in an interview may be used in the final research report; it will not however be attributed to a named individual. The list of participants will be included in the report. All participants will be alerted to the report's publication on the Scottish Government website.
Before the conclusion of the interview, you'll be given the chance to add any further comments that you feel are relevant to the review.
Do please take the opportunity to ask any questions of the researcher before the interview commences. At the start, she will ask you to confirm that:
- you have read this information sheet
- are satisfied that you have received enough information and satisfactory answers to any questions that you have raised about the conditions of participation in the study
- and you agree to participate in the survey.
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