Participate+ Survey

'Other' responses to the question above were predominantly by email, or the participant couldn't remember. One respondent was told about Participate+ by a colleague, whilst one saw a poster in Dollar Park in relation to a funding opportunity.

If you have found Participate+ difficult to use, please provide details below.

Respondents have expressed several issues with the Participate+ platform, with a common theme being difficulty in logging in and navigating the system. Many find the user interface confusing or unintuitive and some have had technical issues such as crashes or difficulty with certain devices. There is also a sentiment that the survey questions are not relevant or are biased towards a certain agenda. A few respondents mentioned that they had forgotten about the platform due to infrequent use or had trouble remembering their passwords. Some users would prefer alternative methods of participation, such as email or non-digital means. There were also concerns about the lack of feedback from the council and the perception that the platform is not user-friendly or seems pointless. However, at least one respondent felt that while there is a learning curve, the system is generally easy to use.

If you found registration difficult, please provide details below.

Respondents have mixed experiences with the registration process for the 'Participate+ Survey'. A common issue mentioned is the complexity and length of the registration, with suggestions for fewer steps and making it more straightforward. Some found the process to be easy, while others had difficulties such as going in circles or had trouble with password recovery. The inclusion of many equality questions was noted, which could potentially deter some participants. A few respondents could not recall the registration process, indicating they registered some time ago and one mentioned difficulty registering on a phone. Some responses were not applicable or did not provide specific feedback on the registration process.

If you answered No to the last question, please provide details below.

Respondents frequently mentioned not using the ward finder tool, with several indicating that they were either already aware of their ward or did not find the link to the tool until after they encountered the question. A common issue was the inability to skip the question about the ward finder, as respondents felt forced to provide an answer despite it not being applicable. Some users expressed frustration with the website's design, stating that it required a mandatory answer to a conditional question, or that the link to the ward finder was not accessible during the survey process.

How do you think we could improve accessibility to, and use of, Participate+?

Respondents suggest several improvements for the Participate+ platform, with common themes including the need for better promotion and awareness of the platform through various channels such as local organisations, schools, community councils, and advertising in local papers. Many respondents feel that the registration process is a barrier, particularly for older people, and suggest a return to email-based participation. Feedback and follow-up after surveys are also a concern, with participants wanting to see the outcomes of their contributions and how their data is used to make a difference. There is a call for more user-friendly interfaces and support, including training videos or face-to-face training sessions to help users navigate the system. Accessibility features for non-English speakers and those with disabilities are mentioned as areas for improvement. Respondents also recommend more diverse question formats with less leading questions and more free-form text options. Some respondents express skepticism about the council's priorities or are unsure about what Participate+ is, indicating a need for clearer communication about the platform's purpose and benefits. Finally, there is a desire for more direct engagement through emails and social media to keep participants informed and involved.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Respondents have expressed a desire for more proactive engagement, with some stating that they need to be asked to participate rather than seeking out opportunities themselves. Feedback on survey results is a common request, indicating that participants want to see the outcomes of their contributions. There is a sentiment that the questions in surveys can be leading or limited, not allowing for a full expression of opinion or for raising new issues. Some participants feel that their opinions are not truly heard, and there are suggestions for improvements such as more free text options, specific multiple-choice questions, and better email subject lines to gauge interest in participation. Some responses indicate a level of skepticism about the purpose and effectiveness of the surveys. However, there are also positive remarks about the initiative, with some respondents believing it is a good way to engage and should be continued.

Can you tell us more about the problems you had?

Respondents experienced various issues with the voting process, with some reporting that the system did not register their vote and simply froze. Others found the voting page difficult to navigate or described the process as clunky, though they eventually managed to get it to work. There were also comments about the instructions being overly wordy and confusing, which added to the difficulty of participating in the survey. These problems suggest that there may be technical and usability improvements needed for the Participate+ platform to ensure a smoother experience for users.

Would you consider being part of a group/panel that helps to oversee Participate+ and wider community engagement at Falkirk Council?

Respondents are generally open to the idea of being part of a group or panel to oversee Participate+ and wider community engagement at Falkirk Council, as indicated by the majority providing their email addresses as a point of contact. However, there are a few respondents who either declined, or expressed uncertainty. One respondent questioned the purpose and benefits of the initiative, while another would consider it depending on what is required, suggesting a need for more information. Another respondent would participate only if they felt the council would genuinely listen. Overall, the trend shows a willingness to engage, but also highlights a desire for more clarity on the role and impact of such participation.