Powering Our Future: Qualitative Data Analysis Report

This report presents a qualitative analysis of a residents’ survey conducted in the unitary authority of Stockton-On-Tees. In line with Stockton Borough Council’s (SBC) self-prescribed goal of ‘inclusive growth’ that ensures equitable ‘distribution of economic benefits’, the residents’ survey was conducted to develop baseline information to better understand local communities, promote procedural engagement, encourage cooperative communication and gain insight into potential areas of service improvement and prioritisation. As part of the survey, four questions were posed, drawing upon an appreciative inquiry (AI) approach.

Residents were asked:
• What is really good about the place you live?
• What would make it better?
• What could you do to improve the place you live
• What could others do to help you make it better?

Each question had a qualitative component (free text description), which we subject to thematic analysis to see the patterns of responses across the whole dataset. In addition to the thematic analysis of the qualitative data collection, we also make methodological recommendations, recognising some of the challenges presented in collecting data, and opportunities to adapt methods for future research. The use of appreciative inquiry allowed residents opportunity to outline a vision for their local community. However, appreciative inquiry is usually conducted in a collaborative, co-produced manner through partnership between (in this case residents and the Council), rather than through independent survey, and so future research by SBC could benefit from this approach. We also suggest that improving the clarity and differentiation within the questions themselves would improve the value of the data produced.

Using thematic analysis of the available qualitative data, we found that the most common themes residents discussed related to inter-community relations, environmental issues, infrastructure, local amenities, crime, housing and police presence. Key positives that residents identified included the relationships and networks community members have with each other. Residents saw the fact their neighbourhood was ‘friendly’ and ‘quiet’ as key positives and this indicated a sense of community spirit. Other key positives that emerged included green spaces which were seen as valuable across the Borough, although residents from more affluent and suburban areas of Stockton-On-Tees were unsurprisingly more inclined to note this. Proximity to local amenities, such as shops, and nature-based amenities were also identified as valuable positives by residents.

When asked what could be improved about the place residents live, the issue of anti-social behaviour was common. Residents proclaimed that a reduction of speeding motorcycles and quadbikes would be beneficial to local communities as they had made people feel unsafe. Drug misuse was also identified as an issue, as was a lack of police presence, poor walkability, litter, and infrastructure not keeping pace with housing development.

Analysis also indicates that there is genuine enthusiasm from residents to get involved in the local community. Litter picking and volunteering were frequently cited as ways that residents’ themselves could help improve their area, although it must be acknowledged that residents experience significant barriers and challenges that may prevent or limit their ability to take part in such community efforts. Responses illustrated the importance of council-community cooperation, and investment was seen as crucial to improving local areas.

Report available on request. Please contact [email protected].