Essex County Council TLC – Stakeholder Perception Research

The Client

Essex County Council (ECC) partnered with Mackman Research to improve their Talk, Listen, and Cuddle (TLC) campaign, an initiative designed to support families, carers, and early years practitioners in fostering communication and learning among children aged 0–5. Recognising the need to enhance their digital platforms and overall engagement strategy, ECC sought Mackman Research’s expertise to conduct a comprehensive study of user needs and experiences. 

Research Methodology

Given the diversity of the target audience—parents, carers, early years practitioners, educators, and stakeholders—a mixed-methods approach was adopted to ensure inclusivity and depth. Data collection included: 

• Surveys for Parents and Carers distributed online through social media as well as in person, to allow for inclusion of families experiencing digital poverty; 

• Surveys for Early Years Practitioners and Stakeholders without the time availability to participate in a focus group; 

• Focus Groups with Early Years Practitioners and Stakeholders to gather qualitative insights about current and desired resources. 

This multi-faceted approach enabled Mackman Research to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives, and ensured accessibility for participants with varied needs and availability. 

Stakeholder Perception Research Results & Impact

The research revealed key areas for improvement, such as navigation challenges, content gaps, and accessibility barriers. Armed with these insights, Mackman Research delivered a set of strategic recommendations to refine the TLC campaign. These included actionable guidance on improving digital content, creating a user-friendly website, and enhancing communication strategies. 

The findings have not only informed immediate enhancements to TLC’s digital presence but also provided a roadmap for future growth. As a result, ECC is better equipped to meet the needs of Essex’s families and practitioners, ensuring that resources are accessible, inclusive, and impactful. 

Client Testimonial

"The research that Mackman Research conducted with our stakeholders has made a huge difference. It has helped us rethink our approach, ensuring we're meeting the needs of families and practitioners. The Mackman Research team has been instrumental in this journey, holding our hand every step of the way. We would definitely recommend them." – Essex County Council Representative

This collaboration underscores the value of targeted, inclusive research in driving meaningful improvements for community-focused initiatives.