Understand where an organisation’s strengths lie
For example, do they have relationships and opportunities with the community you are trying to reach but not the expertise to write up and analyse the findings? Could you partner differently with them to achieve your goals?
Be clear what is negotiable and what is not
For example, do they need to collect certain data, such as demographics?
Be realistic about what you expect organisations to produce
For example:
- A full report – with high level findings
- Evaluation report of the activities
- Analysis of responses
Be careful of asking too much
Consider what are the most important questions to answer or the most important communities to reach and prioritise those.
Discuss how involved they want you to be
Do they feel having you attend engagement activities they are planning will be helpful?
Make sure they understand
Take time in the kick-off phase to make sure organisations really understand the brief and will deliver what you are expecting.
Keep in regular contact
Keep in touch to see how work is progressing and if there are any challenges they are facing that you might be able to help with.
Be realistic
Some organisations do not have the skills and expertise to produce academic style research and analysis.