One of our neighbours Amanda W. from Ice Wharf has asked me to post this call for volunteers.  She works with the Data Collection Methodology (Social Surveys) Office for National Statistics and they are seeking a number of suitable participants for their focus groups on sexual identity.

Specifically they are looking to recruit gay/lesbian women and bisexual men and women to take part.

The focus groups will be about the views of the public on being asked about their sexuality on social surveys and in other situations. The survey seeks to explore things like:

• what people understand by the terms ‘sexual identity’ or ‘sexual orientation
• views on being asked about sexual orientation on a survey
• how should these questions actually be asked

The focus groups will be held at their offices in Pimlico. The group with gay/lesbian women is scheduled for next Tuesday 30th October. The group with bisexuals will be the following week – day still to be arranged. They will start at 6.30pm and will last for approximately an hour and a half.

Everyone who takes part will receive £25 as a ‘thank-you’ for their assistance and time.  Light refreshments are also provided.

There is sampling matrix which they are required to fill in order to ensure the people invited do not know each other and that people in different circumstances are included.

• different ages
• different ethnic groups
• working/not working
• different levels of education
• in different living situations

Anyone interested in participating can call (0207) 533-5334 or email dcmsocialsurveys@ons.gsi.gov.uk for more information or the see about signing up