A survey assessing the quality of service provided by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) to its grant applicant has revealed that the overwhelming majority of applicants find SAC to be helpful, efficient, professional, objective and fair in its dealings with them, though perceptions differ to some extent between successful and unsuccessful applicants.
Satisfaction with SAC?s funding guidelines was found to be particularly high, with over three quarters of all applicants feeling that they provided all the information necessary for submitting an application. In comparison with a similar survey two years ago, more applicants felt that Lottery funding guidelines were clearly explained. Changes to the procedure for Lottery applications received a favourable reaction, with the percentage of those who agreed that the funding criteria clearly explained what would and would not get a grant rising from 47% in the previous survey to 77%. Despite the improvements in the mechanics of the Lottery process, 67% of applicants still perceived it as being bureaucratic. Among applicants for voted funds, 34% had noticed an improvement in the funding process, 70% had noticed an improvement in the application forms and 75% had noticed an improvement in information on how to apply. The main areas of concern highlighted by applicants was connected with expertise in assessment, and feedback, where the level of improvement since the previous survey was found to be low.
Published: 18-06-2001