THE CONSULTATION INSTITUTE

ESTABLISHED 2003 - 5,000+ PROFESSIONALS TRAINED

RD-301Intermediate · Virtual workshop
Research

Creating a coding frame for text responses.

A rigorous method for analysing large volumes of open-text responses, building a coding frame that turns thousands of comments into credible, structured evidence.

A facilitator working through sticky notes on a whiteboard with a seated group
1 day
Duration
£295+VAT
Public · per delegate
POA
In-house
30 CPD
Credits
Fig. 01 · Structuring open text
01Overview

Thousands of comments, one defensible analysis.

Open-text responses are where the richest consultation insight lives, and where analysis most often falls down. Ad hoc reading and hand-picked quotes cannot withstand challenge when a decision is contested.

This advanced full-day teaches the discipline of coding frames: developing categories from the data, coding consistently, testing reliability and reporting open-text findings in a way that is transparent and defensible.

02Learning outcomes

What you'll take away

Delegates leave able to code large open-text datasets rigorously.

01Develop a coding frame grounded in the responses
02Code open text consistently and transparently
03Test and improve coding reliability
04Quantify qualitative responses defensibly
05Report open-text findings without cherry-picking
06Handle very large volumes of comments systematically
03The day

Four sessions

A focused full-day on rigorous text coding.

09:30Building the frameCategories that come from the data.
11:00Coding consistentlyApplying the frame reliably.
13:30Testing reliabilityChecking and improving consistency.
15:00ReportingTransparent, defensible findings.
04Who it's for

For serious qualitative work.

For analysts handling large volumes of open-text consultation responses.

Research & insight analysts
Consultation analysts
Policy researchers
Data teams
Anyone coding open text at scale
06Before you book

Common questions

Anything not covered here, ask us. We answer the same day.

01How many CPD points do I earn?Thirty tCI CPD points. Every virtual and face-to-face course carries 30, and points are logged against your record when you attend. Members can download a CPD statement from the membership portal at any time, and this course counts towards the taught element of a tCI qualification.
02Is it virtual or face-to-face?Open places run as a live virtual workshop, delivered in real time by a tCI trainer, never a recording. Groups stay small enough that everyone can speak, and you work in breakouts as well as listening. The same course runs face-to-face at your own offices as an in-house session.
03How long is the course?One full day, 09:30 to 16:30, in four sessions with breaks between each, opening with ‘Building the frame’ and closing with ‘Reporting’. The day is built around practical exercises rather than presentation, so you leave having worked on coding frames rather than only having heard about it.
04Can you run this in-house for our team?Yes, and it is the usual choice for teams of six or more. In-house delivery works from your sector and the consultations you have in front of you, so the coding frames exercises use your own material. We can run it in person or virtually, and split it across two half-days where a full day is hard to protect. Ask us about bespoke for a quote.
05Do I need prior experience or other courses first?No prior course is required. It is pitched at intermediate level, so it suits people who have run or commissioned engagement already. If you want the groundwork first, Data analysis and report writing is a good precursor.
06Who delivers the course?A tCI trainer who specialises in qualitative analysis and works in it, not only teaches it. The named trainer for each date is shown on the course calendar and confirmed in your joining instructions the week before. You can put live problems to them on the day and expect a straight answer.

Bring this workshop in-house for your whole team

The same course, reworked around the consultations your team is running.

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