Results of SMP Needs and Impact Survey 2016

19 December 2016

Many thanks to members that completed our 2016 Needs and Impact Survey. This is our annual assessment of how we're doing, and a key moment to listen to the priorities and expectations of our members and key partners.

Many thanks to members that completed our 2016 Needs and Impact Survey. This is our annual assessment of how we’re doing, and a key moment to listen to the priorities and expectations of our members and key partners.

In keeping with our core principles of transparency and accountability, and as a member-led organisation, we’re happy to share in full the unedited results of the survey.

Click here to read what our members told us in full >>

We're thrilled to get yet more positive feedback from members and key partners, and look forward to continuing to do all we can to support Scotland's links with Malawi in 2017.

Key headlines from 2016 Member Needs and Impact Survey:

IMPACT: 89% of respondents felt that membership of the SMP in 2016 “helped strengthen, support and develop their links with Malawi”.

SERVICES: The most useful SMP services in 2016 were:

  • Events (useful for 80% of members)
  • Networking (useful for 60% of members)
  • Office enquiries and support (useful for 51% of members)
  • Social media (useful for 49% of members)

CAMPAIGNING: Through 2016, the SMP supported and encouraged members to:

81% knew this was an SMP priority and

42% changed their work as a result of the SMP.

70% knew this was an SMP priority and

37% changed their work as a result of the SMP.

70% knew this was an SMP priority and

37% changed their work as a result of the SMP.

68% knew this was an SMP priority and

16% changed their work as a result of the SMP.

IMPROVING QUALITY:

  • 67% felt the SMP’s information had improved the quality of their work in 2016
  • 67% felt the SMP’s networking had improved the quality of their work in 2016
  • 63% felt the SMP’s advice and support had improved the quality of their work in 2016
  • 59% felt the SMP’s sharing between members had improved the quality of their work in 2016

FORUMS: 52% had attended an SMP Forum in 2016, 62% of whom said forums had been valuable, 38% said “very valuable“.

We asked our members what impact SMP membership had had in 2016 for them, and they told us:

  • "Participation in cross party discussions most helpful to contribute and learn from others and Govt Policy.”
  • “Opportunity for Malawian visitor to visit SMP offices very helpful"
  • “Promoting SMP in schools
  • “We have been able to draw from the SMP advice on how to move our school partnership forward. Very useful.”
  • “Big help in sorting out visa problems whilst organising a visit to Scotland by a Malawi an Head Teacher.”
  • “AGM was good to network and catch up with old friends in SMP”
  • “In this time of scarcity of food we used your reports to help us meet our objectives
  • “The opportunities for networking set up by SMP are a great support.”
  • Advice and networking opportunities.”
  • “As a very small agency membership of the SMP is hugely valued.”
  • “Hugely useful source of up-to-date information
  • “It focused us on the importance of creating a sustainable partnership.”
  • “SMP were very helpful in providing info and a supporting letter about visa requirements for entering Malawi.”
  • “Malawi is presently in 'dire straits' and the Partnership makes people feel that 'they are not isolated' because of all the wonderful things that are being done by the SMP: a truly 'excellent rescuer'.”
  • “Our Country Office is our main operational delivery base in Malawi but the SMP/MaSP relationship is very helpful.
Scotland Malawi Partnership AGM 27 September 2014 10