Research on the implications of public spending cuts on LGBT people

The impacts of the Government’s spending cuts are wide ranging. However more information is needed to understand the implications for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
NatCen Social Research, an independent social research organisation, has been commissioned by UNISON to explore whether and how public spending cuts of recent years have affected LGBT people. We are interested in hearing from LGBT people who have used publicly funded services or people who provide services to LGBT people in the last two years.
We are inviting you to contribute your views on the implications of austerity for LGBT people. Taking part is completely confidential and no individual or organisation will be identified. Click on this link http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/implications-of-austerity-on-lgbt-people-in-public-services  to visit the study website where you can find out more about the research and take part. To take part, click the ‘Take part in the research’ button on the webpage.
 
Yours sincerely
Dr Martin Mitchell
 
 
 

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[highlight color=”blue”]Research on the implications of public spending cuts on LGBT people[/highlight]

[highlight color=”pink”]What is the research about?[/highlight]
The implications of austerity (cuts in public and voluntary sector funding and budgets) may be far reaching but little information is available, beyond anecdotal evidence. UNISON has commissioned this study to find out more about how the austerity measures of recent years have affected lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
[highlight color=”pink”]Key aims of the study are to:[/highlight]
Explore the way cuts to public and community services may be affecting LGBT people from the perspective of LGBT service users and people who provide services to LGBT people.
Gather suggestions of ways UNISON and its members can respond to cuts in public and voluntary sector funding and budgets.
[highlight color=”pink”]Who can take part?[/highlight]
Any LGBT person aged 16 or over who has accessed publicly funded services in the last two years.
Anyone who has provided publicly funded services to LGBT people in the last two years; either specific services targeted at LGBT people or mainstream services accessed by LGBT people.
If you are unsure if you are eligible to take part, please contact the research team who will be happy to help you. See ‘ How do I get in touch?’ below.
[highlight color=”pink”]Who is funding the research?[/highlight]
The research is being funded by UNISON, one of Britain largest trade unions with members in the public, community and private sectors. UNISON has asked NatCen Social Research to conduct the study on their behalf.
[highlight color=”pink”]Who are NatCen Social Research?[/highlight]
NatCen Social Research is an independent and not-for-profit social research organisation. NatCen designs and carries out high quality research studies in the fields of social and public policy. Learn more about us at www.natcen.ac.uk .
[highlight color=”pink”]What is involved in taking part?[/highlight]
There are three ways that you can take part in the study:
1.      Make a short written submission via a secure website in response to five questions. Submissions can be made at any time up until midday on 30th September 2013. This will involve preparing short written answers to five questions that may take up to 30 minutes.
2.      Take part in a 30-40 minute telephone interview. We would arrange a time and date that is most convenient for you.
3.      Make both a written submission and take part in a telephone interview.
[highlight color=”pink”]Do I have to take part?[/highlight]
Taking part is voluntary.  It is entirely up to you if you want to take part in the research and you can change your mind at any point.
You do not have to give answers to all the questions on the online written submission website or in the telephone interview and you can choose to stop at any time.
[highlight color=”pink”]Who will know what I say?[/highlight]
We will write a report based on what people have said. The names of the people who have taken part will not be in the report and it will not be possible for you to be identified.
If you choose to participate in a telephone interview, we will ask to audio record the discussion so that we have an accurate record of what you say. This recording will be stored securely at NatCen’s offices and only the research team will be able to listen to it.
[highlight color=”pink”]Why take part?[/highlight]
This is your opportunity to have a say. Your views will be important in indentifying whether austerity has implications for LGBT people and will help to inform UNISON’s campaigns, recruitment and other work in this area.
[highlight color=”pink”]How do I get in touch?[/highlight]
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the research team by emailing AusterityandLGBT@natcen.ac.uk or calling our freephone on 0808 178 9054.