Engaging Gypsies and Travellers: Researching need in Devon Presentation by Dr Zoë James & Dr Rebekah Southern 19th April 2007

Introduction The research context Methodology – following good practice Positive outcomes Lessons to be learned Conclusion

The Research Context Who are Gypsies and Travellers? Gypsy and Traveller welfare matters Housing Act 2004 Devon-wide Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs assessment

Methodology Literature Review Secondary Research Survey Interviews and focus groups Consultation Report

Methodology Working with good practice Following the Cambridge model –Improving community engagement –Gypsies and Travellers as interviewers –Representing all Gypsies and Travellers –Capacity building in the community Applying ODPM guidance

Positive Outcomes Funding attained! Piloting process informed Access improved Sample diverse Excellent response

Lessons to be learned Reliability Locating interviewers Training time limited Lack of research skills –Potential for bias –Poor completion of forms –Lack of understanding of sampling process

Conclusion Needs assessment process as part of community governance Incorporating Gypsies and Travellers within research process works Caution in placing Gypsies and Travellers in the field with limited training

SRRU Social Research & Regeneration Unit Faculty of Social Science & Business University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA t f e