DLHE 2015/16: Coding manual
DLHE online survey platform
From April 2016, our new online survey system will provide a range of improvements to the DLHE, including a more user-friendly survey which is optimised for mobile devices.
DLHE online survey platform
For the 2015/16 collection of DLHE, the online survey system will be supplied through the newly re-platformed Bristol Online Surveys (BOS), as previously communicated in the November 2014 circular. This is a technical change to the platform of delivery. To minimise negative impacts on HE providers we have maintained a consistent approach from the previous HESA-supplied platform, where possible, and have worked with colleagues at BOS to support new features that will benefit all BOS users.
The only changes to the questionnaire are those detailed in the notification of changes.
The standard email text will be provided as in previous years and HEPs will be able to email the survey to graduates similar to in previous years – the landing page will be available via dlhe.hesa.ac.uk and HEPs will be able to set up PIN or Student number identifiers to identify individual student responses. Both English and Welsh versions will be provided as previously. We will also supply a telephone third party version of the survey, which can be used as a data input tool.
Access to new DLHE online survey platform
HESA are currently working on the process for providing DLHE administrators with access to the survey system, and associated guidance. For the first year of using the survey, HESA will provide user access through a HESA organisational account. This will be separate to any existing BOS accounts an HEP may already have and will be provided at no cost to HEPs. The design functionality of this version of the survey will be ‘locked down’. HEPs will have access to survey distribution and analytical features. In order to provide HEPs with sufficient time to adjust to the system, user accounts containing the April DLHE survey system will be supplied in January 2016.Data downloads
Data collected via the BOS platform will be available to export through both CSV and TSV. There will be separate downloads functions for complete and partial responses.XML downloads will no-longer be supported. This is the only feature which will not be available through BOS, which is available from the current DLHE online survey system. The decision not to pursue supporting a new feature in BOS to cater for XML download was taken after careful consideration and reviewing HEP use of this feature. The majority of HEPs do not use XML download functionality, and those who do use it in conjunction with another download format. Data downloads will still conform to the same output structure as in previous years.
Previewing the system
Early demonstration of the survey system will take place at the DLHE advanced training seminars in October 2015. Colleagues from BOS will also be attending, presenting on the features of the BOS system and answering questions about the functionality. There are still some places available at these seminars – for further details see training seminars.Future developments
In future collections, HESA is looking to expand the functionality of the survey system, including offering HEPs more flexibility in configuring the online system, to add questions or validation to the system (in addition to the HESA defined validation and questions). This will be offered through HEP's own BOS accounts, as opposed to HESA’s account. This work is scheduled for the 2016/17 DLHE collection. The focus groups referred to in the November 2014 circular will take place in 2016.Further details of the survey system will be provided in late 2015, including updated guidance.
Contact Liaison by email or on +44 (0)1242 388 531.