FAQs

Who has commissioned this research?
Who is Verian?
How long is the questionnaire?
Do I have to answer every question?
I think I've made a mistake and answered a question incorrectly, can I go back and change my answer?
Is the survey confidential?
Will the findings be published?
How will Verian keep my data safe?
What about cookies?
Data Protection

About the Research

Who has commissioned this research?

Heriot-Watt University and Verian are doing the research for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity that works to improve the situation of people in need.

Who is Verian?

Verian is an independent research organisation with a strong track record of conducting high quality research.

Verian is an accredited Market Research Society Company Partner (www.mrs.org.uk). The Market Research Society is the UK professional body for research, insight and analytics. Verian is also a member of ESOMAR (esomar.org), a global professional association for market research and insights. Verian adheres to the MRS/ESOMAR codes of conduct.

Work conducted by Verian Group UK Ltd is certified to the International Standards ISO 9001, ISO 20252 and ISO 27001.

To find out more about Verian, please visit www.veriangroup.com.

Completing the Survey

How long is the questionnaire?

The questionnaire should take 5-10 minutes to complete.

Do I have to answer every question?

We would like you to complete as many questions as you can, however if there is any question that you don't know the answer to, or that you don't feel comfortable answering you can select either the 'Don't know' or 'Prefer not to say' answer option. You can choose to skip a question if you prefer.

I think I've made a mistake and answered a question incorrectly, can I go back and change my answer?

Yes, you can go back and change your answer at any question simply by clicking the back button. Please only use the next and back buttons at the bottom of the survey, do not use the forward and back buttons on your internet browser.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Is the survey confidential?

Yes, all responses you provide will remain anonymous and your answers will not be connected to you personally or your household.

Heriot-Watt University would like to talk to a small number of people in more detail about their circumstances and experiences. Involvement in this stage is also completely voluntary – you will also be able to choose if you want to take part when you are contacted. If you are happy to be contacted you will be given an opportunity to share your contact details at the end of the questionnaire. Verian will not provide Heriot-Watt University with your name and contact without your agreement. Heriot-Watt University will not be able to link your survey responses to your contact details.

Will the findings be published?

Yes, there will be a report, a summary and a national launch of the research in autumn 2026. No individuals will be identifiable in any of the published outputs from the study.

Your answers will be grouped with all the answers from thousands of other people who take part in the research. The results will be written up in published reports in which it will be impossible to identify you or your individual answers.

For more information on your privacy, please visit our Privacy Policy

How will Verian keep my data safe?

Verian takes our responsibilities to keep your personal information secure very seriously. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure your information is protected from loss, theft, or misuse. We use a secure Website (HTTPS) to ensure that your data is protected. This is the same type of website that you would generally see when shopping online.

As part of our commitment to the security of your information, Verian has regular internal and external audits of its information security and is certified to the International Standard for Information Security, ISO 27001.

We will only process your personal information under the direction of Heriot-Watt University and for Heriot-Watt University’s purposes.

What about cookies?

This website does not use cookies. The web questionnaire that is linked to from the Home page detects your computer's operating system, screen resolution and the browser you are using in order to adjust the questionnaire to best suit your system. This is done by the use of a cookie created on your computer. This information is returned to us and stored for statistical purposes only. We do not collect or store any personal information. It is possible for you to delete 'cookies' or to prevent their use by adjusting the browser settings on your computer.

Data Protection

Taking part is voluntary and any information you give us will be used only with your consent. Both Heriot-Watt University and Verian will process your answers in compliance with the Data Protection Action 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.