Step 2: Test the survey questions and finalise Writing good survey questions is difficult. You know what you mean, but it may not always be clear to others. Before finalising the survey, test it with a small group. Ask for their feedback and review the quality of the responses you receive and consider: • Are the questions giving you the information you want? • Are the questions clear and unambiguous? • Are there too many questions? Are there too many open questions? Is it too long and off-putting for survey participants? • Are there any ethical considerations you haven’t taken into account? • Are the questions asked in a way that makes analysis easy? Once you have received this feedback, incorporate it into your survey and finalise. As the survey will be administered throughout your NHRI, the Audit Team lead may wish, at this stage, to seek sign-off from senior leadership/Commissioners/Ombudspersons. It is crucial those at the most senior levels of your NHRI are confident with the survey and survey process. If they are, it is more likely they will accept the survey findings. Step 3: Administer the survey and collect the data Now you are ready to administer the survey. Review Tool 2, the principles you have developed to guide your Gender Audit. It is crucial the survey itself and the process of delivering the survey stands up against these and the ethical principles outlined in Fig 3. It may be useful for the Commissioner/Ombudsperson overseeing the Gender Audit to accompany the distribution of the survey with a supportive message. This should encourage staff to do the survey and let them know their participation is important. As indicated in Fig 19, include with the survey: • A short introduction • A short statement of the audit principles and ethics • The definitions of concepts or words as needed • Demographic questions of survey participants • A message to thank survey participants for their time and contributions • Contact details of members of the Gender Audit team Allow a long enough period for the completion of the survey but not too long that the survey is forgotten about. You will know what will work best for your NHRI considering its geographical spread, work priorities etc. Consider a two or three week period. You can also build in check-in times to monitor the number of responses you are receiving and whether to send out reminders. Offer survey participants an opportunity to discuss results with you, acknowledging confidentiality and anonymity considerations. 52