Client needs for coherent information, advice and guidance services ...

215 Several adaptations were introduced to the methodology, following the pilot visits.
For example:-
• the topic guides were simplified;
• groups of young people with learning difficulties/disabilities were kept small;
• the starting point in client discussions was shifted to their experiences of IAG
services to date.
216 The key findings on ‘content’ issues have been integrated with the findings from the
main research phase.
FIXING THE FIELDWORK
217 Local LSCs and IAGPs were approached by DfES to nominate, and secure the
agreement of, a range of local IAG providers willing to participate in the research. As
noted above, providers were then approached by a member of the research team,
who explained the purpose of the research and discussed the most appropriate
arrangements for meeting with clients and front-line provider staff. The targeting of
clients was determined by both the needs of the data collection framework and the
ease with which the provider was able to secure the participation of particular types
of client.
218 In practice, fixing fieldwork proved complex and time consuming. In some
instances, the difficulties were understandable (e.g. problems with persuading
sufficient clients to attend a focus group). In other instances, however, the slowness
of response was a source of disappointment, especially since long lead times were
built in between initial contacts and target dates for visits; moreover, a budget had
been made available to offset any provider hospitality costs and/or client travel
costs. Nevertheless, the majority of providers in the final sample expressed
willingness to support the research and worked hard to secure the participation of
clients.
219 Typically, fieldwork visits included three components:-
• an introductory discussion with a management representative to highlight key
local issues for exploration;
• interview(s) with one or two front-line provider staff;
• a focus group (or interviews) with clients.
220 Where possible, one and a half hours was allocated for each client focus group and a
minimum of three-quarters of an hour for individual client interviews. Interviews
with advisers lasted approximately one hour each. Efforts were made to ensure
some flexibility was built in to the visit programme to allow time for extended
discussions, as appropriate.
221 The checklists (see paragraph 211) were used to guide discussions with clients and
advisers. This ensured that core issues were addressed across all target groups,
provider types and geographical areas. However, the focus of the study was on client
needs, making it important that clients themselves were able to influence the
agenda. Clients were therefore encouraged to talk about the IAG issues that they
considered of greatest importance in relation to service coherence; checklists were
used flexibly to facilitate this process.
SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
222 Content analysis of the qualitative data was conducted in 5 stages, as follows:-
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