How can I take part in the survey?
Free internet access is available in all libraries, with IT support from staff.
From Wednesday, 04 February 2026 paper copies of the questionnaires will be available from libraries, community centres and Claverhouse Social Work Centre. Alternatively, anyone requiring assistance filling out the survey can contact the Health and Social Care Partnership on 438300 or dundeehscp@dundeecity.gov.uk. Please ensure that these are returned by the Tuesday, 03 March 2026 deadline as responses received after this date will not be considered.
If you would like to see the survey questions before you respond, they are available here: Dundee IJB Budget Consultation - Resources.
I took part last year. Do I need to respond again?
Even if you have taken part in an earlier consultation, it is important that you share your views again this year. Only feedback shared on the 2026/27 budget will be included in the report for IJB members prior to the budget being set in March 2026.
I’m answering the online survey. Can I save my progress and return to it later?
The survey is delivered through the Microsoft Forms platform, which has limited functionality to save partially-completed responses. You can choose to submit a part-filled response and select the “save my response to edit” option then return to it later. Please note that you will be required to create or sign in to a (free) Microsoft Office account.
Please note that copies of the survey questions are available here: Dundee IJB Budget Consultation - Resources. This can be used to draft responses in a Microsoft Word format for entering into the online form.
How will the information I provide be used?
The survey is anonymous, but if you include personal information, it will be handled according to UK data protection laws (GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018). The survey helps Dundee IJB make decisions about budgets, planning, and service changes, and your data may also be used for research.
Your responses will help shape savings options and may be included in reports for the IJB, Dundee City Council, and NHS Tayside. Reports are published on the Health and Social Care Partnership’s website, and any information shared will not identify individuals.
How will the consultation be promoted?
The consultation will be promoted in several ways to reach as many people as possible:
Through press releases, word of mouth, and the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership website.
Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside will help promote the consultation.
Social media will be used to reach people who prefer getting information online.
Staff will be informed through emails and the staff intranet.
All service providers funded by the IJB will be invited to take part.
Information will also be sent directly to individuals, organisations, and community groups that represent people with protected characteristics
How will you ensure the consultation is accessible to all?
Questions have been asked using appropriate language. Paper copies will be made available. These have been printed in a text size and typeface that is recommended to support dyslexic readers.
The online form is compatible with screen readers, which can be used with the built-in Immersive Reader tool or by using the screen reader's native features.
If you need the survey in a language other than English please email cld@dundeecity.gov.uk for instructions on how to translate the online form, or for a translation of the paper form.
A facilitation pack is available for anyone who wants to provide a response on behalf of a wider group of people. It can be downloaded here: Dundee IJB Budget Consultation - Resources.
How will the consultation responses be analysed?
The Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership will review and analyse all responses. Any responses that are offensive or disrespectful will not be considered.
A summary of the survey results will be presented to the Dundee IJB at their budget meeting on March 31, 2026. The feedback will also help complete equality and fairness impact assessments for the proposed savings options.
How will I be able to find out the results of the consultation?
Following the analysis, the findings of the consultation will be part of a report to the IJB at their budget setting meeting on 31 March 2026. This document will be published on the Health and Social Care Partnership’s website.
What are Protected Characteristic Groups?
We will gather information to allow us to assess the positive or negative impacts of any final decision, particularly on those with protected characteristics. The nine protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010 are detailed below:
Age
People can be unfairly treated based on assumptions and stereotypes related to their age. Both younger and older people can share similar issues such as unemployment, reduced or low income, not being listened to and not being valued.
Disability
Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Disability includes mobility, dexterity, hearing, speech or vision impairments along with "hidden" conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, dyslexia, mental health problems and mental illness. Cancer, HIV infection and Multiple Sclerosis are deemed disabilities under the Act from the time of diagnosis.
Gender Re-assignment
Gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes, denoted by terms such as ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ and can be different from biological sex. The term ‘gender reassignment’ applies to the process of transitioning from one gender to another. The term used in the Equality Act to describe people who intend to transition, are transitioning or have transitioned is ‘transsexual’.
Marriage and Civil Partnership
Service providers cannot treat customers less favourably, or refuse to provide them with services, on the basis that they are married to a person of the same sex or in a civil partnership, as opposed to being married to a person of the opposite sex.
Pregnancy and Maternity
It is unlawful to subject a woman to unfavourable treatment during the ‘protected period' defined by the Act. Protection from discrimination starts when a woman becomes pregnant.
Race/Ethnicity
The Equality Act says you must not be discriminated against because of your race. Race can mean your colour or your nationality (including your citizenship). It can also mean your ethnic or national origins, which may not be the same as your current nationality. Race also covers ethnic and racial groups.
Religion or Belief
The meaning of religion or belief in the Equality Act is broad and is consistent with Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Religion means any religion and includes a lack of religion. A religion need not be mainstream or well known to gain protection. However, it must have a clear structure and belief system.
Belief means any religious or philosophical belief (including, for example, Humanism and Atheism) and includes a lack of belief. To be protected under the Equality Act, a philosophical belief must:
Be genuinely held.
Be a belief and not an opinion or viewpoint, based on the present state of information available.
Be a belief as to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour.
Attain a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance.
Be worthy of respect in a democratic society, compatible with human dignity and not conflict with the fundamental rights of others
Sex
A person's sex refers to whether they are biologically male or female. In relation to a group of people it refers to either men and /or boys, or women and / or girls. A comparator for the purposes of unlawful sex discrimination will be a person of the opposite sex.
Sexual Orientation
The Equality Act says you must not be discriminated against because:
You are heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Someone thinks you have a particular sexual orientation - discrimination by perception.
You are connected to someone who has a particular sexual orientation - discrimination by association.
Sexual orientation includes how you choose to express your sexual orientation, such as through your appearance or the places you visit. Discrimination occurs when you are treated differently because of your sexual orientation.
Find out more about the Equality Act 2010, which provides the legal framework to tackle disadvantage and discrimination.