(p) Response enhancement strategies The survey provider will develop and implement a reminder strategy, and other strategies for boosting response during fieldwork, as required. Such strategies may include targeting of priority sub-populations identified during fieldwork monitoring as being at risk of underrepresentation. 4.5 Qualitative data collection (Focus Groups) (a) Overview and progress update The qualitative component of the Study involves the conduct of focus groups. These focus groups will explore specific topics and themes of interest in greater detail and depth than the quantitative component and will be designed to extend and complement the quantitative findings. Key objectives of the focus groups are to: • Share student and staff experiences of racism, including those with intersecting experiences of discrimination. • Increase understanding of the impact of racism at university settings (for students and staff). • Contribute to a more detailed understanding of how to change systemic racism at institutional universities settings. • Assist in identifying and prioritising key directions and recommendations. The design and implementation for the focus groups will be completed by a fieldwork provider (focus groups provider), in close collaboration with the Commission. A rigorous procurement process is underway for selecting the qualitative fieldwork provider, with the AusTender submission closing on 6 January 2025 and the selection process expected to be completed in January 2025. This is a separate procurement to the one mentioned above for selecting the survey provider. Therefore, depending on the outcomes of the two procurement processes, the two components may be conducted by the same provider or two separate providers. The focus groups and the survey will run concurrently, with focus group consultations planned to be completed by the end of March 2025 and the focus groups provider to deliver an outcomes report to the Commission by the end of April 2025. For the reasons outlined above in relation to the quantitative data collection timelines, these timelines are indicative and may require changes. 68