- Draft questions. Keep as short as possible.
- Trial questions with a small sample (pilot group) to determine whether they are unbiased, straightforward and not open to misinterpretation.
- Indicate the purpose of the questionnaire at outset
- Include qualitative data such as age, sex, address, education etc. to allow for further extrapolation of the results.
- Include any new names/addresses in the mailing list.
- Send out with printed information materials.
- If the budget allows, provide free mail reply (stamped addressed envelope; freepost mailbox, etcetera) to improve responses.
- Document responses as part of the public involvement process.