LOFT sent out a questionnaire to all adult members in April 2010, to get feedback on our activities, ensure members had the opportunity to air their views, and set priorities for the future. Out of 320 members canvassed, 71 responded in full, which is higher than usual for such research activities. 

The full responses are set out below, but here are the main points:

• The main reason for joining LOFT was "a general concern about the future financial viability of Leyton Orient", closely followed by "a specific concern about the way Leyton Orient is run";

• Responding members rated LOFT's administration and communications as mostly average (so something for us to improve on there!), and the majority get their information via electronic means (e-mail group, website and message boards), which helps keep our printing and postage costs down;

• Members' views closely reflected the anti-ground sale campaign conducted in 2009;

• Increasing membership numbers was seen as the most important immediate aspect of increasing LOFT's influence at Leyton Orient, followed by updating and circulating a strategic plan of future actions;

• Members thought LOFT should be fundraising on top of subs, with most wanting money set aside for a "fighting fund" for if and when the club encounters financial difficulties, as the priority. There was a large negative response to the proposal for LOFT to raise funds to simply hand over to the club or supplement the playing budget, so these ideas will accordingly not be progressed;

• Most respondents preferred to be involved and canvassed for opinions by e-mail/post;

• The majority either were members of, or wanted to be added to, the email discussion group or similar online forum, but we have to ensure others receive information and can communicate to us via other means (e.g. post, physical meetings, or via fanzines);

• Over a third of respondents offered to help out in some way, and the committee thanks you for that. We will contact you when the need arises;

• The open question about what LOFT's three future priorities should be gave us a wide array of answers. However, the three most popular themes were:

• Increase LOFT membership and influence with the club;
• Closely monitor the issues of ground ownership and possible relocation, and oppose moves that are not in the long-term interest of the club or its supporters;
• Closely monitor the financial viability of the club, and raise "fighting funds" to be set aside in case Leyton Orient gets into severe financial difficulties and be prepared in case the fans need to step in to ensure survival/continuity, while in the meantime working with Barry Hearn to increase supporters' involvement and influence.

We thank all members who took the time to inform us of their views via this survey, and will ensure opinions expressed are taken into account as we draw up our future strategic plan and undertake campaigns and activities. We would also encourage ALL members to share their views and ideas with the committee at any time, to ensure we provide representative leadership.

The LOFT committee, July 2010

Responses in detail

The full analysis of the responses can be downloaded by clicking here. The file contains three documents:

• Responses by numbers, with collated member comments;
• Responses by number to Q6;
• Responses by percentages.

The committee would like to thank LOFT member Ruth Townsley for volunteering to carry out the analysis and for her assistance in drafting the survey questions.