Research

We work closely with our clients to undertake research projects, studies, reviews and needs analysis on a variety of topics. We draw on a range of methods to deliver these projects in the most effective way possible. These include:

• surveys - large and small-scale​
• interviews
• focus groups and guided discussions
• literature reviews
• network and systems mapping.

The first step in any project is to clarify and refine the research questions asked to ensure they are aligned to the needs of the client.

Our research outputs are typically used to inform planning and review of programs, projects and services delivered by clients across the public, private and community sectors.

Examples of current and past projects

These projects have been completed using a variety of methods. These are noted within each description.

Sustainable cafe study
CERES and Moreland Energy Foundation Limited

First Person Consulting is working with MEFL and CERES to research the enablers and barriers to creating a truly sustainable café. The goal of this study is to explore the different measures that underpin a 'sustainable' café and use these to identify options for CERES for future planning. Such options could include changes to the menu, equipment upgrades or practice changes. The result of this study will be a report that documents these options, their ease of implementation (i.e. is it a major change or a simple one) and suggestions for prioritisation.

Methods: Desktop and literature review, stakeholder consultation, survey, site visits​

Case Studies of the Community Partnership Program
Victorian Blackberry taskforce

​Introduced to Australia in the 1800s, European blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) can reduce biodiversity; encumber agricultural production and impact on a landscape’s aesthetics and social value. Blackberry is estimated to cost approximately $100 million per year in control and lost production. The Taskforce’s Community Partnership Program seeks to empower communities in their blackberry control efforts and to foster collaboration between community members, government and other organisations. FPC are working with VBT to develop case studies that describe the economic, environmental and social impacts of the Program at the individual and landscape scale and to promote the benefits and lessons of the approach.

Community attitudes and behaviours towards the homeless survey
Homeless of Melbourne/homie

​.The Homeless of Melbourne is a community awareness initiative by the team at HoMiE. Its purpose is to share the stories of people who are currently (or have previously) experienced homelessness to raise awareness of the issue. FPC, as part of its social responsibility drive, is undertaking a community-level survey on individual attitudes and behaviours towards those experiencing homelessness. The goal is to gather this data to inform future activities and messaging from the Homeless of Melbourne group.

Method: Community-wide survey

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) Survey and accommodation services Survey (2016, 2017, 2018)
La trobe university

La Trobe University has over 35,000 students and seven campuses across Victoria. FPC designed and implemented a whole-of-university student survey examining the perceptions and feedback of student services and on-campus accommodation. In addition to quantitative data on the perceived value and importance of these services, qualitative data on ideas in relation to new engagement methods and student services was also sought. Over each of the three rounds (2016, 2017 and 2018) the survey received between 5,000 and 6,000 responses, incorporating dozens of quantitative questions and over 10,000 open-ended comments. Each year these were distilled down into a set of key tracking metrics and a meaningful selection of suggestions and recommendations for La Trobe University to act on in relation to the use of SSAF funding..

Hazelwood recovery program - community network analysis
​EPA Victoria

​​Starting in early 2013 and burning for several weeks, the Hazelwood mine fire created large volumes of smoke and ash that led to a range of social and environmental problems in the Latrobe Valley. EPA Victoria worked during the incident to monitor and manage potential impacts of the fire. A key component of this was community engagement and communication. Under the Hazelwood Recovery Program, EPA Victoria worked to improve its connections to the Latrobe Valley community and be clearer in its communications. FPC undertook a review of EPA Victoria's community engagement approach. This involved gathering data from over a 100 different community members, many of whom were key members of local community groups. The result was a series of recommendations to EPA Victoria on their engagement approaches and a network map of the connections between community groups in the region, including where and how they sourced their information.

Methods: Survey of community organisations, interviews, desktop review

Organisational MERI Review
​North Central CMA

First Person Consulting worked with North Central Catchment Management Authority to review their organisational monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement approach. This included engaging with the CMA’s management team to review their processes and identify critical gaps, with the aim to develop recommendations to support adoption and integration of MERI practices across the organisation.

Methods: Desktop review, interviews

Food waste avoidance study
Bayside City Council

​Food waste has massive environmental and economic impacts, with households being a major contributor of food waste in Victoria. First Person Consulting, working with Roberts Evaluation, undertook research into the causes of food waste in households through an extensive literature review and primary data collection in Bayside. Using the results recommendations on approaches to encourage the avoidance of household food waste were provided to inform future program design.

​Methods: community-wide survey, focus groups, literature review

Emergency Water Supply Points Update
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

​Victoria has approximately 300 Emergency Water Supply Points (EWSPs) spread throughout the state. These points provide the community with alternative water during times of extreme drought. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning maintain a database of EWSPs and an interactive map for providing information to the community. First Person Consulting canvassed the views of over 60 councils and water management companies across Victoria to help update DELWP’s database and prioritise the need for new or upgraded infrastructure. FPC also provided colour-coded maps of the State to depict the councils that were a higher or lower priority for this infrastructure, thus contributing to DELWP ability to plan effectively.

Methods: Stakeholder interviews

Park NEighbour PEst Management Survey
Natural Resources Commission (NSW)

​The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) are currently reviewing the management of pest animals across all land tenures in NSW. To help assess the impacts of pest animals in and around National Parks and Reserves, the NRC commissioned First Person Consulting to survey neighbours of select parks across the Western district of the state. Building on an earlier survey in 2015, we interviewed 46 neighbours of National Parks, Nature Reserves and State Conservation Areas to document their views of and approach to pest control. The information will help the NRC understand the priorities, challenges and opportunities for park neighbours and act as a point of comparison for the evaluation of the Supplementary Pest Control Trial being run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Methods: interviews with neighbours of national parks

Landcare census annual survey
​Landcare TAsmania​

​First Person Consulting is currently working with Landcare Tasmania to assist in the design and distribution of an annual survey to its member base - which includes over 180 active member groups and individuals working towards improving the health of Tasmania’s natural and productive landscapes. With a diverse and widely-distributed volunteer and supporter network, it is important for Landcare Tasmania to establish and maintain an in-depth understanding of its community members, what is important to them, and the value of their work.
We are providing advice, research support and mentoring services to Landcare Tasmania staff to help them with questionnaire design, survey distribution and data analysis.The outcomes of our work together will enable Landcare Tasmania to build their social research capacity and successfully deliver the survey in coming years.

World Suicide Prevention dAy Campaign Thematic Analysis
Movember foundation

​World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on 10 September each year. In 2016, the Movember Foundation (‘Movember’) delivered a suicide prevention campaign to coincide with WSPD to raise the profile of Movember’s men’s health focus, the issues they tackle and to encourage men to stay socially connected and talk, especially when things get tough. To help inform future campaigns, Movember engaged FPC to analyse the comments and conversations that took place on different social media platforms. The result of this work will inform planning for future mental health and suicide prevention campaigns targeting men, capturing the terminology that resonates with men and providing evidence for what and how Movember heard during the campaign.

If you need any help with research projects or studies please get in touch with our expert team to discuss.