Key Risk Areas

The vulnerability of the research participants.
Some prospective participants including children, people with learning difficulties or service users with mental health issues cannot give informed consent. Before commencing any research it is essential that consent is obtained from a responsible person with the legal ability to give such consent on the subject’s behalf. If you think your project will involve adults who cannot give informed consent, see the handbook page ‘Research That Involves Adults Who Lack Capacity To Give Their Consent’.

The researcher’s experience.
The level of experience of the researcher is likely to have a bearing on the way in which research is carried out and the impact on the participants. This may range from general inexperience, being a student, lacking knowledge of the subject, lack of experience of working with the client group or lack of knowledge of the best methods to use in the research. It is essential to ascertain the level to which the researcher’s qualifications and experience are relevant and appropriate to the research area and methodology.

Research method and any additional issues this may raise.
For example research requiring participants to be interviewed in their own homes means increased levels of disclosure of personal information and potential risk.

Collection of sensitive information.
Before approval is given for research involving the collection of sensitive information such as criminal records, psychiatric history or health status, consideration must be given to whether the collection of this information justified. And if it is justifiable, to what extent is the research in the interests of the research subject?

Privacy and confidentiality.
Are the proposed methods of ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of participants adequate? Does the information collection process conform to the Data Protection Act and local Caldecott Guardian standards?

Requirement for consent.
All research requires an information sheet to be provided to participants and a consent form to be completed before any interviews can be carried out. The research proposal must define the potential benefits of the research, along with how consent will be obtained. Participants may be willing to take part if they feel the study has a wider benefit, however if informed consent cannot be obtained, the participant cannot be interviewed as part of the research.