Process Evaluation of the Welsh LGBTQ+ Action Plan

The LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales aimed to make Wales a place where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, safely, and without fear of unfair treatment.

About the study

In 2023, the Welsh Government published the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. The Plan set out how it aimed to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people by reducing discrimination, improving safety, and helping people feel recognised and respected. It focused on key areas such as healthcare and social care, education, communities and family life and participation in culture and sport. Overall, the Plan aimed to make Wales a place where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, safely, and without fear of unfair treatment.

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) was commissioned to undertake a process evaluation of the Plan. This will explore how effectively the Action Plan has been delivered, what is working well or less well, and whether it made a difference for LGBTQ+ people in Wales.  

To explore these areas the NatCen research team are carrying out:

  • Scoping focus groups with those involved in the development and delivery of the Plan.
  • Focus groups with stakeholders involved in actions arising from the Plan or affected by them.  
  • A survey of LGBTQ+ people living in Wales.
  • Interviews with LGBTQ+ people to explore the effects of the Plan and issues arising from other parts of the evaluation.
  • Feedback/consolidation sessions with LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations.

What does taking part involve?

Taking part in any activity related to this research project is entirely voluntary.  

What is this survey about?

In 2023 the previous Welsh Labour Government published an LGBTQ+ Action Plan (the Plan) with the aim of improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Wales. This survey aims to collect information about the experiences, views and needs of LGBTQ+ people aged 16+ to identify where progress has been made on issues covered by the Plan, where progress still needs to be made, and where there may be opportunities to enhance service delivery, support and information.

What topics will I be asked about?

The topics covered include:

  • Whether you consider Wales a LGBTQ+-friendly country.
  • Awareness and use of LGBTQ+ services, support and information.
  • Awareness and use of LGBTQ+ youth services.
  • Experiences of health and social care services.
  • Participation in organised sport and culture.
  • Awareness of support and use of information on gender recognition.
  • Awareness of support for LGBTQ+ veterans.
  • Experiences of hate crimes and hate crime reporting.
  • Experiences of conversion practices and related support.
  • Demographic information such as your sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ethnicity, whether you have a disability, etc.  

You do not have to have to have direct experience of all the topics to take part.

We understand that some questions in the survey touch on difficult or distressing topics, such as hate crimes, conversion practices, discrimination or exclusion. You do not have to answer any questions that you find upsetting and can move on to the next question you feel comfortable answering. Information on support organisations is available on our support organisations webpage link.  

Some questions collect special category data such as sexual orientation and ethnicity. Other questions include optional open‑text boxes where you can share more detail if you wish. You can skip any question that you prefer not to answer.

Who is carrying out the research?

The Welsh Government commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to conduct the evaluation of the Plan, of which this survey forms one part. NatCen is a well-respected, independent not for profit social research institute. It designs, conducts, and analyses research studies in the fields of social and public policy.  

National Centre for Social Research
250 City Road, London,
EC1V 2AB

NatCen is also working in partnership with survey organisation Dynata to deliver the survey, and the LGBT Consortium to make people aware of it.

Dynata is a research organisation that conducts surveys and data analysis. You can find out more about Dynata at https://www.dynata.com/ 

The Consortium is the largest network of LGBT+ groups and organisations in the UK. You can find out more about the Consortium at https://www.consortium.lgbt/ 

Do I have to take part?

No. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to answer any question, and you can stop the survey at any time without giving a reason.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to complete the survey online.

If you cannot complete the survey in this way, please contact the research team at ActionPlanResearch@natcen.ac.uk or on Freephone 0808 281 9514 to discuss alternative options.  

How long will it take?

The survey should take between 10 to 20 minutes. You do not have to complete the whole survey in one go. Any progress you make will be saved and you can start where you left off when you next log in.

Are there any benefits or risks?

Your views and experiences can help understand whether the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales reflected the needs of LGBTQ+ people living in Wales, including those with multiple different identities (e.g., disabled LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ veterans, ethnic minority LGBTQ+ people, etc.). Your responses may also help shape Welsh Government policies.

If you found out about the survey via NatCen, via the Welsh Government website, or via the LGBT Consortium you will have the opportunity to take part in a draw with a prize of £200.

There are no direct risks to taking part, but some questions touch on sensitive topics (described above), and some questions collect special category data such as sexual orientation and gender identity. You can skip any question you prefer not to answer.

Please go to the support page to see links and phone numbers for support organisations in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Possibility of taking part in a follow-up interview after the survey  

As part of the evaluation of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales we are also recruiting for people to take part in interviews about their experiences. These interviews will take place from October 2026 to January 2027. To achieve diversity among participants it will not be possible to include everyone who wants to take part. However, if you are eligible take part you will receive a £30 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you for your time.  

If you would like to take part in an interview or to learn more, you can either contact the research team at NatCen at  ActionPlanResearch@natcen.ac.uk  or on Freephone 0808 281 9514. 

How will my data be used?

Your participation in any research activities related to this project will remain confidential. NatCen will not tell the Welsh Government that you have taken part.  

Data collected from the survey will be anonymised, analysed and summarised by NatCen in a report shared with the Welsh Government, which will be published. This means:  

  • You will not be identifiable in any report or publication.
  • Results will be combined with other participants’ responses.
  • Open‑text responses will be anonymised before analysis.

What is the legal basis for processing my data?

The legal basis for collecting your data is called “public task.” NatCen needs your information to carry out a task that is in the public interest or is part of the official work of the Welsh Government.

Data from the survey will be treated in line with UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and handled as outlined in the privacy notice

Who can I contact for further information?

If you have any further questions before you decide to take part, please contact the NatCen research team at ActionPlanResearch@natcen.ac.ukv or on Freephone 0808 281 9514.