Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQs) about the survey

  1. Why is it important that someone in my organisation completes and returns this questionnaire?
     
  2. What is the 'third sector'?
     
  3. Who is being asked to take part?
     
  4. When and how does it take place?
     
  5. What is being asked?
     
  6. Are the results confidential?
     
  7. Can I opt out of the survey?
     
  8. Where did you get my contact details from?
     
  9. My organisation is not a third sector organisation and I received an invitation to take part in the survey. Do I need to take part in the survey?
     
  10. When will the results be published?
     

1. Why is it important that someone in my group/organisation completes and returns this questionnaire?

The survey will inform policy at a local level and local decision makers will learn from its findings. They will be more aware about the size and shape of the third sector in Tameside. The effectiveness of the survey hinges on the third sector’s engagement with it. A strong response from those selected to take part is essential to ensure that the findings are statistically robust and carry real weight with decision makers.

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2. What is the 'third sector'?

The third sector is a diverse, active and passionate sector. Organisations in the sector share common characteristics:

The Third Sector includes voluntary and community groups, self-help groups, faith groups, resident groups, non-profit organisations such as community businesses, co-operatives and credit unions.

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3. Who is being asked to take part?

The survey is being sent to leaders of a wide range of third sector groups and organisations in Tameside. If you have received a copy we feel it is important to hear your views. The data on third sector organisations in Tameside comes from the Tameside 3rd Sector Coalition database and has also been provided by Guidestar Data Services. In each case, we are asking that the questionnaire be completed by the leader of your group/organisation, a member of its senior management, or a member of the trustee board or management committee.

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4. When and how does the survey take place?

Third sector groups and organisations will receive the survey by post at the end of April. You may choose to complete the survey online and the survey therefore includes a unique reference number to register your online entry. We now are asking for all surveys to be completed as soon as possible and returned by 5 June at the latest.

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5. What is being asked?

The survey asks third sector groups and organisations a range of questions relevant to their needs, to enable policy makers to better support the sector. This includes questions about locally available resources, support to help you influence local decisions, relationships with funders and commissioners, and other aspects of the working environment in your area which affect your success.

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6. Are the results confidential?

The answers you give will be treated in the strictest confidence, used for research purposes only and will not be published in a way which identifies you or your group/organisation. Published findings will be presented as statistics in tables and charts with commentary, no names or details of individual organisations will be included.

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7. Can I opt out of the survey?

Yes, if for some reason you do not wish to take part, you can opt-out of the survey.
At any stage that T3SC contacts your group/organisation directly you can reply and say you do not wish to take part. You will not then be contacted again about the survey.

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8. Where did T3SC get our contact details from?

Either your details are on the T3SC database from contact with the organisation in the past or they have been provided to T3SC by GuideStar Data Services drawing on available registers of third sector organisations, for example the Charity Commission register and Companies House.

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9. My organisation is not a third sector organisation and I received an invitation to take part in the survey. Do I need to take part in the survey?

Not all organisations which count as being part of the third sector use or recognise that title. The third sector is a diverse sector encompassing voluntary and community organisations, charities, and social enterprises. These organisations go by many names, and many also consider themselves to be community groups, co-operatives or mutuals, a club or society, or a non-profit organisation, housing association, faith group or trust. Organisations have been drawn from specialist registers, based on their legal form, to ensure that only those organisations which fall within what is called the third sector receive a questionnaire. However you describe your work, we are keen to know what you think.

If you are quite sure that the questionnaire has been sent in error, please check the address to ensure that it has not been posted to the wrong address. If the invitation was sent to your current address it may be that an organisation used to operate from the premises but recently disbanded. If this is the case could you please inform us either by post or email (or – in any event, if you do not complete the form please contact us so that we can ensure you are not contacted again).

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10. When will the results be published?

Initial findings will be published in late July, and subsequent reports will give further detailed information on the picture of the sector the survey has provided. There will be a link to the results from the T3SC website when they are published.
 

About the survey

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