About the Course

Most council surveys struggle to get the response rate they deserve. The public can mistrust that they are being asked questions about decisions already made.  This course will teach you the psychology behind successful public engagement and help your survey become a communication tool. You will learn how to write surveys people actually want to complete, how a survey can educate and build trust, and ask better questions that lead to useful answers.  It draws on real council experience and focuses on practical tools you can use straight away. You will discover how to design surveys that feel clear and human, keep them short without losing value, and structure questions that guide better thinking.  You will also learn how to present budget choices so people can respond meaningfully, how to improve response rates through timing and distribution, and how to use “You said, we did” to build long-term trust. By the end, you will feel confident sending surveys that not only gather information but also strengthen your relationship with your community.

Becky Walsh

Becky Walsh

Becky Walsh is the founder of Council Culture, a specialist training and advisory business supporting UK town, community and parish councils. Becky brings together psychology, behaviour, communication and lived experience in local government and has been a trainer for the SLCC for almost a decade. She works with officers, clerks, councillors and chairs to create shared language, clear standards and calmer ways of handling pressure, disagreement and public scrutiny. Becky is a qualified counsellor and coach, with a background in communications, training and performance. She translates complex psychological ideas into plain English and practical actions that work in real council settings. Council Culture training is known for being human, grounded and effective. Participants understand why behaviour happens, how power dynamics show up, and what to do differently next time. This leads to better meetings, clearer decision-making and healthier working relationships. Council Culture delivers training online and in person across the UK, including civility and respect, creating a strategy, communications and engagement, leadership under pressure and culture reset work. These online courses are designed to give councils accessible, practical learning they can return to again and again for the one-year access period. www.councilculture.uk

60% discounts for purchases of 10 seats

For councils or organisations, simply enter 10 (places) at the checkout, and a 60% off discount will be automatically applied. Bringing the course for 10 people to a total of £480.00. We believe the whole council needs access to education for inclusion. Access to the course is for one year. A single course place is for one named user only. It must not be shared, screened, or used for group training. For team or council access, please select a multi-user or council licence.

Course Curriculum

5 Chapters · 17 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome to the course

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to the course

  2. 2

    Why People Ignore Surveys

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why People Ignore Surveys and How to Change That

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Surveys Get Ignored

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Survey Engagement Worksheet

  3. 3

    Survey Setup Essentials

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Planning a Survey That Gets Better Results

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Preparing for Your Survey

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Real Life Example Survey Communications Plan

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Real Life Example Stakeholder Engagement Email

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Survey Planning Tool

  4. 4

    Write Questions People Want to Answer

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Writing Survey Questions People Want to Answer

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Human-Centered Question Design

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Budget Survey Example

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Survey Question Design Checklist

  5. 5

    From Survey to Trust. Becoming a Listening Council

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      From Data to Decisions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Using Survey Results to Build Trust and Improve Decisions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Survey Results Action Plan. Use this tool after your survey closes.

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Measuring Survey Success in Your Council

There's nothing more important than the community we serve.

How to enrol. Buy an individual course for one at £120.00. Or type 10 (places) at the checkout and get 60% off for places. Bringing the course for 10 people to a total of £480.00. We believe the whole council needs access to education for inclusion.

£120.00

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