Social Security Charter Review: research findings - summary
This summary provides an overview of findings from research carried out to review the Scottish Social Security Charter, “Our Charter”.
Who took part
Clients
Research with clients was conducted using the Social Security Scotland Client Panels. The Client Panels are made up of clients from across Scotland who have made an application or received a payment from Social Security Scotland.
- 16 participants took part in at least one workshop. These participants are the core client group.
- 864 respondents took part in a survey.
- 18 participants from seldom heard groups took part in an interview.
About the core client group
16 participants took part in at least one workshop.
- More women than men.
- Some had a disability or long-term health condition.
- Some had caring responsibilities.
- Participants were aged between 23 and 68.
- Some were from an ethnic minority group.
- Most lived in an urban area.
Most participants had experience of Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment. Some had experience of carers benefits or Scottish Child Payment.
About the survey respondents
- Around three quarters were women.
- Over half had a disability or long-term health condition.
- Around half had caring responsibilities.
There was representation for all local authority areas among the respondents.
About the interview participants from seldom heard groups
- More women took part than men.
- Some had a disability or long-term health condition.
- Some had caring responsibilities.
Interview participants represented a range of seldom heard voices, including:
- People with English as a second language.
- Refugees.
- People with recent experience of homelessness.
- People who experience digital exclusion.
Social Security Scotland staff
Five online focus groups were held with 26 staff from Social Security Scotland.
Partner organisations
Seven partner organisations took part in the research. Five organisations completed a survey and two took part in an interview.
Government officials
A group of around 35 officials in relevant areas across Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government gave regular input throughout the research process.
Contact
Email: Socialresearch@gov.scot
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