LES has developed an innovative new community research method in order to capture the views and experiences of different individuals and community groups that is both:

• Cost effective
• Enables individuals views on particular issues to be expressed and captured in detail

The ‘Community Engager’ captures the views of individuals online, but is not a conventional online survey.

The questions are spoken and the individual respondent can use a combination of clicking on predetermined options and answering verbally (or by text if particular participants prefer this). The Community Engager combines a tried and tested audio assisted approach with a new aspect, which is to capture an individuals’ verbal response on line. Other aspects such as use of video and pictures are also incorporated in the consultation tool.

The approach can be implemented in a range of settings such as libraries, community centres, schools, church halls etc. using laptops or standalone PCs, with minimal set up costs.