Sociobarometers, compiled by SOSTE Finnish Society for Social and Health (previously the Finnish Federation for Social Welfare and Health), have been carried out annually since 1991. Various service providers (e.g. local social services, health care centres, employment offices, Social Insurance Institution authorities) evaluate the state of services and changes in welfare of citizens. Some current social policy themes are also included. The FSD collections cover data from 1994.
The respondents were executive employees of municipal social services, and health and social organisations. The former were asked to assess the socio-economic situation in their home municipality, as well as the budget changes in 1994-1995. They also stated their opinions about the expenditures of social services and subsistence subsidies, and whether they thought it was possible to ensure the necessary services with the present resources. The possible changes in service fees and voucher use were canvassed. The municipal executives were asked if there had been any discussion in their home municipality about which basic social services should be maintained. Public well-being, as well as the changes in the welfare and social security of the different population and customer groups (e.g. the poor, the intoxicant abusers) were also studied. In addition, the respondents assessed the alterations made to the amount and quality of social security services and social benefits. They were also asked about the coming organisational changes and cutbacks.
The executives of the various health and social organisations were asked to assess the operative and financial situation of their organisations, the 1994 gross expenditures, and the budget of 1995. They commented on how the changes in funding had affected their operations, how the organisation had tried to adjust to these changes, and whether the changes had had an impact on local operations, voluntary work, and inter-organisational relationships. Furthermore, the executives were asked to name their primary tasks in operations development.
Both the municipal and organisational executives were asked to evaluate the changes in workforce. The amount and duration of outsourcing service agreements were also monitored. The respondents were asked how significant a role the various operators (the church, those caring for close relatives, etc.) play in producing social services, and whether such factors as internationalisation and increasing inequality are somehow relevant to the future prospects of the municipality/organisation. They also commented on the usefulness of regional social policy development planning, and whether the European Union membership had had any bearing on citizens' well-being. The respondents were finally asked to describe their feelings and sentiments regarding the prevalent state of affairs and the coming year.
Background variables included the respondent's position or title.
The sociobarometer 1995 questionnaires were sent to all Finnish municipalities (the Åland Islands excluded). The organisational study was sent to the member organisations of the Finnish Federation for Social Welfare and Health, and the Association of Voluntary Health, Social and Welfare Organisations (YTY).