Professional Documents
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St. Georges
St. Georges
Hamilton
Sandys Bermuda
Vital Signs
Pembroke
Smiths
City of
Hamilton
Devonshire
Paget
Study
2017
Warwick
Southampton
4 6 7 8 10 15
11 11 12 12 13 13 14
Health & Personal Economy Housing Education Safety Community Diversity
Wellbeing & Work & Security Wellbeing & Inclusion
It is with pride and excitement that we present track effectiveness and ensure we are on the right track their work, we learned that people in Bermuda on
Bermudas first Vital Signs Summary Report. This to improve life in our community. average rate their quality of life a 7 out of 10 with a vast
report provides insights on the dynamic quality of life in majority highly regarding Bermuda as a place to live.
Bermuda, as determined by members of the community. Last year, when the BCFs Board of Directors embarked
Given that the Bermuda Community Foundation (BCF) on this project, we were guided by three certainties:
exists to provide an enduring source of funding to 1. The BCF mission is to build funds to support the
support and strengthen the community we decided Bermuda community through the valuable work of
BERMUDA AS A
PLACE TO LIVE RATING
7.4
MEAN
that the views of the community were essential for this the nonprofit sector.
project. We are grateful to all who participated. 2. In order to contribute to a stronger community, we 1% 1% 2% 2% 9% 9% 23% 30% 15% 8%
need to understand the priorities as well as the key
In addition to obtaining public input by means of indicators within each priority area for Bermudians.
an independent survey, we reviewed numerous 3. We can be most effective in our work if we listen to
Bermuda-specific reports on community issues. The the community we exist to serve.
resulting full report or white paper is retained as the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BCFs proprietary information which we will use to Research into how to carry out this work led to our
POOR EXCELLENT
assist donors and policy makers to direct efforts and participation in Vital Signs, an international programme
resources where they are most needed. for community foundations, coordinated by Community
How would you rate Bermuda as a place to live?
Foundations of Canada. It is designed to leverage local
This summary document, however, is being made knowledge to measure the vitality of communities and What defines and influences quality of life in Bermuda
publicly available to provide everyone with a snapshot support action towards improving our collective quality for residents are the issues of health and personal
of the factors defining quality of life in Bermuda 2017. of life. wellbeing, economy and work, housing, education,
To add value, our plan is to conduct surveys at regular safety and security, community wellbeing and diversity
intervals so we can measure the impact of targeted Total Research Associates and Strategic Evaluation and inclusion.
activity based on the survey results. It will enable us to Consulting were our partners in this venture. Through
RESIDENTS OVERALL 7.7 issues and plan how we can improve outcomes, we have
QUALITY OF LIFE RATING MEAN
a chance to work together towards a common goal.
0% 1% 1% 1% 7% 8% 21% 31% 11% 18%
We plan to update the white paper in 2018, using the
2016 census data when it becomes available. Then, in or
around 2021, we will carry out a full Vital Signs update.
The Bermuda Community Foundation has taken an issue-ranking survey of Bermuda residents, a review About the Research Approach
important step in identifying the issues that are important of Bermuda-specific data reports, and finally a public
REVIEW OF VITAL SIGNS RESOURCES
to Bermuda residents. Vital Signs, first established perception survey of Bermuda residents.
by the Toronto Community Foundation in 2001, has Identified and defined potential indicators of quality
of life and developed an open-ended question to be
become the standard of excellence among community This summary report will focus only on the perception included in the Bermuda Omnibus Survey.
foundations around the world. The programme data to highlight the voice of Bermudas residents
evaluates community vitality and wellbeing and plays an as the chief source of data informing our efforts. The
important role in advising funders on quality of life issues public opinion findings were derived from two public BERMUDA OMNIBUS SURVEY
as identified by members of the community. Today more telephone surveys of a random representative sample
Bermudians were asked to volunteer the most
than 85 communities in Canada and around the world of the Bermuda population. The following graphic important factors contributing to their quality of life.
use Vital Signs to mobilise the power of community provides an overview of each stage of the research. The top responses were used to guide the literature
scan for supporting data.
knowledge for local impact.
The complete report provides a more comprehensive
Vital Signs provides a wide range of relevant indicators picture of life in Bermuda by combining two forms of INITIAL LITERATURE SCAN
and statistics. This research-based approach enables information:
Using the most important quality of life factors
informed decision-making on initiatives that could have Peoples perceptions of quality of life in Bermuda and identified by Bermudians, a detailed list of relevant
the greatest impact on the Island and its residents. how well Bermuda is performing in these areas. Bermuda-specific data sources was identified and the
seven priority areas (Vital Signs) were established.
Ultimately, the research will shine a light on key quality Factual data about life in Bermuda (e.g., Bermudas
of life issues, providing valuable direction in identifying infant mortality rate as an indicator of the quality of
local priorities. healthcare) collected from such reliable sources as PUBLIC PERCEPTION SURVEY
the Department of Statistics, the Bermuda Business
Guided by the seven Vital Signs, existing data sources,
Unique to the Bermuda Vital Signs study, the Development Agency (BDA), the Bermuda Health and known gaps in the literature, the public perception
research was conducted using a multi-phased Council, and the Bermuda Police Service. survey was developed allowing Bermudas residents to
give more in-depth opinions on Bermudas performance
approach, including a scan of available resources, an in each of the Vital Signs areas.
50%
Bermudas performance on those same related factors as
polled in this study
factors were also assessed. A concrete PUBLIC Title
or other sources
measure of whether or not Bermuda PERCEPTION
50% This section provides a sample of
meets to residents expectations on SCORE responses to survey questions on
factors related to the priority area. Date of source publication
each factor was obtained by comparing
importance ratings against performance
Your overall opinion on how we
ratings. In turn, the indicators that do not are performing on this Vital Sign
meet residents expectations could be
identified. In addition, a regression analysis
was conducted to determine the drivers
of quality of life, and as a result, which
indicators are most relevant to Bermuda.
1
It must be noted that some potential issue areas did not statistically stand out on their own due to inadequate responses, weighting
of data, and/or the lack of robust local data to substantiate. As a consequence, some items could not be included in this report.
methodology, including
public perception data
and a review of secondary
data regarding Bermuda Health & Economy Safety Community Diversity
Housing Education
Personal Wellbeing & Work & Security Wellbeing & Inclusion
and its people, seven Vital
Signs were identified as
most relevant to the vitality 60% 44% 38% 47% 61% 60% 44%
of Bermuda.
Performance Ratings*
Availability of The Economy Availability Access to Safety The Diversity & Inclusion
Healthcare Services of Housing Higher Education Environment
Accessibility of Employment Cost of Housing Quality of Education Crime & Violence Arts, Culture,
Healthcare Services & Heritage
46% 47%
*% offering scores of 7 to
10 on a 10-point scale
Physical Citizen Engagement
Health & Civic Responsibility
Bermuda Vital Signs 2017 10
HEALTH & PERSONAL WELLBEING ECONOMY & WORK
Residents Overall Assessment of Bermudas Performance This aspect of quality of life refers Residents Overall Assessment
to the overall economic viability and of Bermudas Performance
sustainability of a community, including
the role and contribution that the local 51% 43% 38%
68% 68% 59% 46%
economy plays in the broader regional
Availability of Accessibility of Mental Physical The Employment Cost
Healthcare Services Healthcare Services Health Health and global context. Economy of Living
44%
This aspect of quality of life refers to the What People Think What People Think
general health status of the population
including both physical and mental health, Quality of Healthcare
PUBLIC Bermuda Economy
PERCEPTION 47% Of residents believe the economy of
65% Rate the quality of healtcare available
and the availability and accessibility of
healthcare services.
in Bermuda as good or excellent.2016 SCORE Bermuda is now better than it was in
the year previous.2016
60%
Affordability of Healthcare Household Economy
PUBLIC 38% Agree that healthcare in Bermuda While survey respondents generally view 62% Of residents report unchanged
PERCEPTION is affordable.2016 the Islands economic performance as conditions in their own household
SCORE fair, the cost of living was identified as economic wellbeing over the past
year.2016
the most problematic area related to the Purchase Condition
Adequate Coverage
84% Of residents with health coverage feel economy and work environment. This is 53% Of residents believe that conditions
Survey results show that Bermuda linked to increased inflation, perceptions for making a major purchase have not
the healthcare insurance they have is
performs well at meeting residents adequate.2016 of household wellbeing and conditions for changed compared with last year.2016
expectations of availability and making a large purchase being unchanged
accessibility of healthcare services. Perception of Health Employer Commitment
83% Rate their own health as either good, over the previous year. Increasing 52% Of residents who are employed
Further, opinions are generally favourable unemployment on the Island, or the feel their employer has a high level
very good, or excellent.2013
on the quality of healthcare available perception thereof, also caused concerns. of commitment to them as an
in Bermuda with some room for employee.2016
improvement. With respect to residents Feeling Stressed
35% Feel some level of personal stress
health status, mental health is generally
(ratings of 7 to 10 on a 10-point scale
considered good, while opinions of where 1 means not at all stressed and
physical health is less positive. Despite 10 means extremely stressed).2016
the positive outlook on the availability
spending per household is higher than
and accessibility of healthcare services,
the international average, the Islands
there is a great deal of concern regarding
spending per capita is generally aligned
its affordability. While healthcare
with other jurisdictions.
HOUSING EDUCATION
Stable and affordable housing plays an Residents Overall Assessment Human capital that influences quality Residents Overall Assessment
of Bermudas Performance of Bermudas Performance
important role in contributing to vibrant of life encompasses the knowledge,
communities, as well as in providing skills, competencies and other attributes
families and individuals with a sense of embodied in individuals and communities.
44% 31% 48% 46%
security and stability. These attributes contribute to overall
Availability Cost of Access to Higher Quality of
of Housing Housing creativity, vitality and wellbeing of Education Education
38%
communities.
PUBLIC
47%
What People Think What People Think
PERCEPTION
SCORE Housing Search PUBLIC Student/Teacher Ratio
PERCEPTION
9% Of residents report that someone in 50% Of residents agree that the public
their houshold is looking for housing SCORE school system in Bermuda has an
they can afford.2016 appropriate student/teacher ratio.2016
Survey findings suggest that home
Home Ownership Teacher Accountability
ownership emerges as a strong driver
60% Of residents report owning their Residents surveyed appear to be only 40% Of residents agree that the public
of quality of life. Of the two factors own home.2016 school system in Bermuda holds
moderately satisfied with the quality
considered in rating the housing teachers accountable for their class
of education and access to higher
situation, residents are least satisfied performance.2016
Private Education
82% Of residents rate the overall quality
of private education in Bermuda as
excellent or good.2016
Feelings of safety in ones community Residents Overall Assessment Residents Overall Assessment of Bermudas Performance
of Bermudas Performance
can affect overall quality of life.
61%
70% 52% 72% 60% 59% 47%
PUBLIC Safety Crime The Environment Arts, Culture, Volunteering & Citizen Engagement
PERCEPTION & Violence & Heritage Charitable Contribution & Civic Responsibility
SCORE
What People Think Community wellbeing is an indication What People Think
of the degree to which residents are
Satisfaction with Police Culture Participation
Perceptions of safety and security rated actively engaged in the local culture
63% Of residents are satisfied with the 21% Of residents frequently attended
the highest and took into account the Bermuda Police Service (Satisfaction and community, and are taking action events, festivals, or other types of
level of crime and satisfaction with the ratings of 7-10 on a 10-point to improve their community in terms of cultural activities in Bermuda in the
police. The level of crime on the Island is scale).2012 being a good place to live. past year. A further 53% occasionally
attend such events.2016
one indication of Bermudas performance
60%
Charitable Donations
in this regard. However, there is room for 87% Of residents made a donation to a
improvement, particularly with respect to PUBLIC local charity or non-profit in the past
PERCEPTION
perceptions of crime and violence. year.2016
SCORE
Volunteering
69% Of residents volunteered their time for
a charitable cause in the past year.2016
Residents generally perceive Bermudas
performance in terms of community
wellbeing favourably, are engaged in for a charitable cause. Opinions of
their community and particularly value Bermudas civic engagement and civic
arts, culture, and heritage. Most survey responsibilities are less pronounced,
respondents report having at least suggesting that either residents are not
occasionally attended events, festivals, as engaged in this area, or that they
or other types of cultural activities in are not as informed. Finally, residents
Bermuda in the past year. There are believe that Bermudas performance in
widespread financial contributions to the environment sector has been key to
charitable or non-profit organisations by community wellbeing, with the majority
residents and most have volunteered offering positive ratings.
Diversity and inclusion in a community What People Think Overall, Bermudas performance in and the cost of living on the Island.
is based on how well a community relation to the various factors which These results are mirrored by a sharp
treats its vulnerable populations and Race
31% Of residents feel uncomfortable determine quality of life for residents growth in extended family households
where diversity is welcomed and
or out of place some or all of the is perceived as moderate, with a observed over the past decade. This
celebrated. It is an indicator of a time because of their skin colour or
communitys awareness and ability race.2016 number of areas warranting particular largely stems from a significant rise in
to address disparities. Citizenship attention. Areas that are considered housing costs, a shrinking job market,
23% Of residents feel uncomfortable or
to be performing moderately include and inflation outpacing wages.
44%
out of place some or all of the time
because of their citizenship status.2016 Health and Personal Wellbeing,
PUBLIC Education, Safety and Security, and Meanwhile, perceptions of healthcare in
PERCEPTION Religion
SCORE 12% Of residents feel uncomfortable or
out of place some or all of the time
Community Wellbeing. Areas deemed Bermuda are relatively positive, including
because of their religion.2016
to be performing fairly, but requiring with respect to the availability and
some attention, include the Economy accessibility of healthcare services, as
Less than half of survey respondents Gender
and Work, Education, and Diversity well as the populations physical health.
view Bermuda as an inclusive 8% Of residents feel uncomfortable or
community. According to the data, out of place some or all of the time and Inclusion. The last area, Housing, That said, the findings suggests that we
feelings of exclusion are determined because of their gender.2016 received the lowest rating with a poor take a more critical look at this aspect
by skin colour or race, while feelings Sexual Orientation performance that requires close attention. of health. Specifically, a notable minority
of alienation were also experienced 5% Of residents feel uncomfortable or of residents have had to travel overseas
according to citizenship, religion, out of place some or all of the time
gender or sexual orientation. because of their sexual orientation.2016 Public perceptions and awareness in the past year for medical treatment
of community needs generally align otherwise unavailable in Bermuda. The
with the literature, though increased majority cite limitations in the affordability
communications and education of healthcare, despite the fact that most
in some areas are warranted. As have healthcare insurance. As well,
mentioned, residents most strongly greater communication around health
point to a need to address Bermudas issues facing Bermudas population
housing situation, particularly in terms is needed, particularly with respect
of affordability. Further, concerns to body weight and the critical rate of
are heightened around employment diabetes facing the Island.
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