Coventry City Council: Household Survey
In 2024/25, we used a mix of postal ‘push to web’ letter as well as face to face interviewing. Similar to methods used within the 2022 and 2021 survey.
Using GIS Mapping software, which includes Royal Mail’s Postcode Address File (PAF), we randomly selected 20,000 households across the city, stratified by Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) and Indices of Multiple Deprivation. Each sampled address was sent a letter explaining the nature of the research and how to take part online by entering a unique reference number.
Within the invite letter, the household member with the next birthday, aged 16 and over, was invited to participate in the survey. The letter highlighted the value and benefit of responding to the survey, that participation was voluntary and that responses would be confidential. It also provided a M·E·L email address and freephone telephone number to contact for further information, to opt out, or to request an alternative completion method, such as by telephone or using a translation service. A reminder mailout also included a paper version of the questionnaire and freepost return envelope.
Overall, 2,026 surveys were completed between 11th November and 6th February 2025.
Latest News
Industry Insights
Beyond visitor numbers: Rethinking how we measure the value of culture and heritage
November 2026
How do we demonstrate the true value of culture and heritage? And are we measuring everything that matters?
These were two of the questions that stood out during the third day of the Culture and Heritage Capital: Putting Theory into Practice conference.
Cultural organisations have long recognised that their impact extends beyond visitor numbers, ticket sales and tourism revenue. Museums, heritage sites and cultural programmes can support mental health and wellbeing, strengthen community connections, create opportunities for learning and preserve our shared…
Read the full post
M·E·L News
M·E·L Research appointed to evaluate the BFI Film Academy programme
October 2026
M·E·L Research is pleased to be working with the British Film Institute (BFI) on a three-year evaluation of the BFI Film Academy programme. Since 2012, BFI Film Academy has supported young people to develop skills, confidence, knowledge and networks and explore routes into careers across the screen industries. The refreshed 2026–2029 programme builds on this experience, creating connected pathways from early engagement through to specialist training, mentoring, placements and industry-facing progression, with a strong emphasis on…
Read the full post
M·E·L News
M·E·L Research welcomes new talent as our teams continue to grow
October 2026
M·E·L Research is pleased to welcome four new colleagues to our growing team, strengthening our research and evaluation expertise as we continue to expand our services and support clients.
The appointments of Laura Karban, Associate Director; Bethan Jewsbury, Senior Evaluation Managers; and Chloe Parker, Research Manager, alongside Rhoslyn Davies, who joins us on a short-term basis to provide additional senior evaluation support, bring a wealth of experience across social research, evaluation, public policy…
Read the full post
Industry Insights
Women’s health social research: We’ve talked about the problems. Now let’s do something about them.
October 2026
It was an absolute honour to attend the Women’s Health Conference in London this week, bringing together clinicians, policymakers, campaigners and others passionate about improving women’s health.
As a researcher specialising in women’s health social research, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn, be challenged and exchange ideas with people who share that passion. And I wasn’t disappointed.
There has (quite rightly) been a lot of discussion recently about the gender health gap. But some of the evidence shared…
Read the full post
M·E·L News
Collections inside and out: thinking differently about gardens, heritage and the visitor experience
September 2026
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at Collections Inside & Out, a symposium hosted at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden, bringing together people working across gardens, horticulture, heritage, collections and interpretation.
I was, perhaps, a slight interloper among so many people with deep horticultural expertise but every presentation was incredibly interesting and I learned a lot – and broadly managed to follow the general flow of what was being said (still not 100% au fait with taxa…
Read the full post
M·E·L News
Elliot Simmonds to present at Collections Inside & Out Symposium
September 2026
We’re pleased to share that our Commercial Director, Elliot Simmonds, will be speaking at the Collections Inside & Out symposium at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden on 24 September 2026. Bringing together professionals working across heritage collections, gardens and landscapes, the symposium will explore the relationship between indoor and outdoor heritage and the opportunities created by thinking about them as part of a connected visitor experience.
Elliot’s session, “Integrating Indoor…
Read the full post
M·E·L News
M·E·L Research recognised for outstanding contribution to social value and ethical research
August 2026
M·E·L Research has been named the winner of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Value & Ethical Research 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards.
The award recognises the values that shape both the work we choose to undertake and the way we deliver it. From building trauma-informed practices into our research to improving inclusion and reinvesting in the communities around us, social responsibility is part of how we operate every day.
Read the full post