Ashbrook has been conducting a comprehensive programme of Stakeholder Tracking Research on behalf of SQA since 2001. We engage with professional audiences (FE colleges, secondary schools, employers and training providers) and public audiences (potential candidates and parents of potential candidates). Information gathered includes awareness, understanding and perceived credibility of academic and vocational qualifications; awareness, understanding and views about SQA; and awareness and perceptions of initiatives such as Curriculum for Excellence and Developing the Young Workforce. Some questions are asked in each survey phase, so we can track outcomes, whilst others are directed at specific audiences during a particular survey phase.
We conduct a total of 1,400 structured interviews amongst professional audiences across two phases each year, as well as 800 structured face-to-face interviews with public audiences once a year.
“We have worked with Ashbrook across a range of projects for a number of years, and will continue to do so for three main reasons. Firstly, David Brooks has a detailed knowledge of research methodology and how best to apply it in practice. Secondly, we have found Ashbrook to be extremely reliable, and work is produced in the agreed timescales and to a high standard. Finally, Ashbrook provide us with excellent value for money. I would be happy to recommend Ashbrook to colleagues looking for reliable and high quality research.”
Longitudinal tracking studies provide comprehensive data at specific times, and over a period of time. This programme allows SQA to review their performance in a wide range of areas, such as the marketing of qualifications and initiatives, and informs the formulation and implementation of future plans. It also helps SQA to update their staff about how the organisation is performing and how it is perceived.
Ashbrook carried out extensive Domestic Tracking Research on behalf of Scottish Enterprise since 2009. We explored the experiences, expectations and needs a range of audiences in Scotland, particularly companies and organisations who work with Scottish Enterprise, or who have the potential to work with them.
In 2013 and 2017, Ashbrook was commissioned to look at perceptions of the Technology & Engineering Sector in Scotland. The 2017 study, in particular, sought to identify how perceptions of the sector, and any issues surrounding them, had changed through time.
“Ashbrook Research and Consultancy Limited provided a first class consultancy service for us on a refreshed Perception Study. Communication was excellent – before, during and after the project. All activity was logged systematically and reports created were professional and on time. Throughout the process Ashbrook staff were professional, helpful and friendly and I would look forward to working with the company again.”
