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Important Changes Affecting Surveys

By Todd Kealey, Communications Manager (Ottawa)

 

Are you thinking of conducting a survey at work? a) Yes, but only of local Forces personnel. b) Yes, we need to improve service delivery to military spouses and kids. c) I’d rather loose my left pinkie but I will probably have to ask people about something sooner or later. d) We run a daily web survey. e) All of the above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public opinion surveys. With the explosion of the internet, they seem to be appearing everywhere. Wherever you turn, it seems as if someone wants to ask us a question about something. Issues big and small. One quick question or many more. If you selected any of the answers above, this article contains important information for you.

 

On June 9th of this year, the Government of Canada updated its “Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research” (Procédure de planification et d’attribution de marchés de services de recherche sur l’opinion publique.) The changes introduced have important implications for anyone seeking to garner feedback or to solicit input on practically any topic. From webmasters to CF Base Commanders and PSP Managers, there are important issues that must be kept in mind prior to undertaking any level of research. While acquiring a solid grasp of government policy is not always a thrilling spare time activity, if you plan to perform a survey, even if it is solely of your own staff or of some CF members at your local Base/Wing, you need to be aware of this policy.

 

An initial critical fact to point out is that this policy applies to “all departments identified in Schedules I, I.1 and II of the Financial Administration Act”. In plain language, if you are employed by the Canadian Forces or by the Department of National Defence, it applies to you. If your employer is the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces, it does not. The importance of this piece of information will become clearer once the breadth of the policy changes become known.

 

The most important change to the policy is that any affected department must perform quarterly updates to its annual public opinion research plan for “significant research”. These updates must be then validated by the Privy Council Office and approved by the Minister (or designate) prior to execution. This applies to both commercially commissioned surveys as well as those performed using internal resources.

 

What qualifies as “significant research”? Here are some indicators:
o Public opinion research conducted in the development of policies, programs, services and initiatives,
o Opinion surveys of more than 500 respondents,
o Public opinion research projects with high public interest or sensitivity.

 

The following areas are also subject to validation and approval, especially if the survey includes one or more “importance or risk criteria”. These criteria are defined as important to government priorities, of a sensitive nature or related to issues subject to high public interest.
o External opinion surveys with fewer than 500 respondents and
o Internal opinion surveys. In this context, this means surveys of DND staff or CF personnel.

 

Exempt from the annual planning process are:
o Client comment cards
o Feedback boxes
o Website opinion surveys on site navigation, usability and functionality, and
o Evaluation of training or information sessions.

 

Since implications of these changes are potentially far reaching and could introduce delays in the execution of any survey, DND personnel and CF members are invited to contact Mike Walker (Mike.Walker1@Forces.gc.ca) from the ADM (Public Affairs) Directorate of Strategic Communications Planning, Research and Analysis for support of any public opinion research initiatives and to help coach you through the new process.

 

Due to its exemption and given that the mandate of the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces / Director General Personnel and Family Support Services is driven to be flexible and responsive in enhancing the Morale & Welfare of the Canadian military community, members of this organization have certain process latitude concerning the execution of surveys and public opinion research. While a willingness to provide assistance to peers in the CF undoubtedly exists, this latitude is not boundless. In such situations, the scope of reach for any possible public opinion research would likely have to be confined to two specific domains:
o Topic: Morale & Welfare
o Survey candidates: limited to CF Personnel and their families
Any surveys conducted on behalf of the CF by Staff of the NPF, CF that do not meet these criteria is subject to the new policy.

 

If planning to perform any survey or opinion research, you are encouraged to discuss your plans with the Strategic Communications team.
 

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