Headlines:
- There is a clear focus on learning; particularly peer to peer learning.
89.74% of people said that they would use a rural social enterprise hub to make connections to share and learn from practice and 74.36% said that they would use it to participate in peer learning and learning exchanges.
In addition, 74.36% said they would use it to keep up to date with opportunities for learning; 71.79% said that they would use it to identify training/learning needs and 69% to find learning materials and access on-line materials.
- There is an appetite for information and updates from a rural perspective.
82.05% would use it to keep up to date on what is happening in rural social enterprise and a similar number to find out about developments as they affect rural social enterprise.
- People want the opportunity to contribute to policy and debate from a rural perspective.
79.92% want to contribute to policy discussion from a rural perspective.79.49% want to contribute views on rural social enterprise to consultations and develop priorities for rural social enterprise.
- Respondents are confident in their digital skills and some 79.49% report that their broadband connection is good.
Notes.
1.This initial survey was circulated as a survey monkey link shared via national and local intermediaries including Third Sector Interfaces and Social Enterprise Networks. It is not a large sample (39 responses) but is perhaps useful in providing some initial material to inform the hub development.
2. For most of the question participants were asked to tick all that apply and so the % presented can add to more than 100%.
3. There is more detailed information and comments in the full results that are below.
Full results.
Would you use a rural social enterprise hub to make connections?
To share and learn from practice 89.74%
To make contacts 74.36%
To find others in the same field of work 66.67%
To get advice 64.10%
To meet peers 51.28%
Not at all 2.56%
Would you use a rural social enterprise hub to keep up to date?
With information on what is happening in rural social enterprise 82.05%
With policy developments as they affect rural social enterprise 82.05%
With opportunities for learning 74.36%
To access research findings 71.79%
Not at all 2.56%
Would you use a rural social enterprise hub to access learning?
To participate in peer learning and learning exchanges 74.36%
To identify training/learning needs 71.79%
To find learning materials 69.23%
To access online learning materials 69.23%
Not at all 5.13%
Would you use a rural social enterprise hub to develop a collective voice for rural social enterprise?
To participate in policy discussions from a rural perspective 79.92%
To contribute views to consultations on rural social enterprise 79.49%
To develop priorities for rural social enterprise 79.49%
To access events via digital links 66.67%
Not at all 0.00%
Additional comments.
84.62% of participants are confident in their digital skills and 79.49% that their broadband connection is good. 58.97% that they have time to learn some simple new tools.
Is there anything we have missed?
‘rural tends to have terrible connectivity, its therefore important that connections are not too juicy – I would love to be able to skype, but its not going to happen’.
‘It is important to make clear if engagement and representation is to be sought from individual SE’s, SENs or TSI’s as this may have an impact on the decision to engage with the Rural Hub’
‘What sector(s) would you be interested in: Forestry Agriculture Tourism Retail etc.
What organisations would you be likely to access through the hub: local authority funding (could have a FirstPort outreach office there or similar) NHS Government Research Education Private sector’
SR 11.11.2019.