JGP News

An effective staff questionnaire could help charities get a good understanding of the views of those working for the voluntary sector, it has been suggested.

In a guide published by consultancy firm Birdsong, it was put forward that such surveys offer the chance for charities to identify which areas they are performing strongly in and if there any areas where they can improve, the Third Sector reports.

Such questionnaires may prove particularly useful for those looking at effective methods of talent management.

Frances Hurst, co-founder of Birdsong, said: "If managed well, staff surveys help to demonstrate an organisation really cares about what its staff think and feel.

"If handled badly, they are counter-productive and undermine trust. With good planning and appropriate staff involvement, the pitfalls of running staff surveys can be avoided - and staff morale given a significant boost."

Ms Hurst added that a satisfactory response rate for a staff questionnaire is about 50 per cent, though getting workers involved in creating such surveys and asking relevant questions were put forward as ways in which they can be most effective

Last month, Voluntaryskills.com carried out a questionnaire evaluating the training needs for people in the north-east of England working in the third sector, which aimed to identity any areas where their training and skills could be improved upon.

More about talent management.