Background information - why we're conducting this survey

A 2015 British Chambers of Commerce Business and Education Survey found that communication was the top entry-level skill required by employers.


However, the 2016 CBI/Pearson education and skills survey found that around half of businesses were not satisfied with school leavers’ skills in communication. There are two potential reasons for young people having problems communicating:

  1. Young people who aren’t good communicators. They struggle just because it’s a new environment – they are not used to the sophisticated interaction of work and/or new words.
  2. Young people with a communication difficulty. They have an identified problem with speaking, listening or understanding. This might be stammering, a language difficulty  – or part of something like autism or hearing impairment. Questions 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 are specifically about these young people.

This survey is about both groups of young people, and how they are supported in the workplace. It is part of a national review of services for children and young people with communication difficulties. Throughout the survey we want your views on spoken communication (and not for example written communication).


Who should complete this survey?

If you employ anyone up to the age of 25, we are interested in hearing your views. It should take 5 - 10 minutes. Most questions require you to tick a box, but there is space for you to add comments if you have time.

Please feel free to respond to any question on which you have a view, there are 19 questions in total. If you are unsure or just don’t know, please move on to the next question. Question 12 is the only compulsory question.

The closing date for completing the survey is: Friday 28th July 2017

If you would like to continue with the survey please click 'next'. 

Thank you!

T