Following an earlier consultation on Disability Assistance in Scotland in 2019, draft regulations were prepared to support the new Adult Disability Payment and the Scottish Government ran an online public consultation to gather feedback prior to finalising the regulations.
KSO Research led analysis and reporting of consultation responses for the Scottish Government, available at: Adult Disability Payment (ADP) Regulations: Analysis of Consultation Responses: Final Report - June 2021 (www.gov.scot)
In early 2022, the Minister for Transport announced that the Scottish Government would consult on the safety of women and girls when using public transport, including both public transport users and those working within the public transport system in Scotland. KSO Research was commissioned following the Minister’s announcement and carried out research that sought to build on a growing body of international evidence that shows that women and girls have unique travel behaviours and needs, which must be addressed by tailored solutions. Scotland’s Vision for Justice also includes a transformational priority of making improvements to the justice system which will benefit and empower women by addressing inequality, societal attitudes and structural barriers that perpetuate existing gender inequality.
Consulting on this topic also aligned with the Scottish Government’s Equality Outcomes, which aim to reduce inequalities and advance equality of opportunity - most notably across the protected characteristics of age, disability and gender. The research won a Government Social Research (GSR) Impact Award and in 2023, Kate presented findings from the work as part of a Ministerial event during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Read the research report here: Women and girls’ safety on public transport | Transport Scotland
KSO Research led recruitment and interviewing of adults across Scotland living with terminal illnesses and those experiencing bereavement to explore their views and experiences of contact with the Department for Work and Pensions and to discuss the future of Social Security Scotland, focussing on what would make the agency more accessible and client focussed. Feedback was provided to the Scottish Government to inform service design. Read more at: Social Security Experience Panels - Seldom Heard Programme of Research: End of Life (www.gov.scot)
The Coming Back Out Ball was a Creative Engagement Project spanning two years created for the LGBTI+ elder community in Scotland. The project involved face-to-face social dance clubs, online dance clubs, pop up events and culminated in an online Ball. An independent evaluation of The Coming Back Out Ball project was commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland on behalf of the delivery partners, designed, led and reported by Kate.
Find out more at: The Coming Back Out Ball | National Theatre of Scotland (nationaltheatrescotland.com)
Transport Scotland engaged KSO Research to recruit and facilitated a series of focus groups with adults living in Scotland who qualified for a Blue Badge to explore views on a new ‘Ten Top Tips’ document designed to guide appropriate use of the badge. The work involved consultation with adults with both physical and mental health impairments, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted adults, and those with multiple mobility needs.
A full written report summarising feedback from the engagement can be found at: transport-scotland-research-blue-badge-perceptions-publication-aps-final-draft.pdf
KSO Research was also commissioned to undertake analysis of seven different consultations relating to the Scotland Act (2016) devolved social security powers to Scotland. These covered a range of policy and operational themes, including changes to the Early Years Best Start Grant, Funeral Expense Assistance, Funeral Costs, the Young Carer Grant and Social Security Fraud Investigations. The team carried out qualitative and quantitative analysis of responses to produce a series of comprehensive reports for the Scottish Government, to help in the implementation process.
Based in Scotland, KSO Research Limited is an independent social research consultancy providing research design, management, data collection, analysis and reporting.
KSO Research is an accredited Living Wage Employer.
