Research findings

How will the research findings be shared?

The findings from this PhD research study will be used to complete my PhD thesis. They may also be published in academic journals, presented at conferences, and shared with relevant social work organisations, institutions and professional networks. 

All findings will be presented in a way that protects participants’ identities, ensuring that no individual can be identified.

Participating organisation and intuitions will not be mentioned in the research. 

Participant wellbeing and support considerations

Given the sensitive nature of discussing race, gender, management and leadership experiences of underrepresentation. Care will be taken to prioritise participant wellbeing. Participants will be reminded that they may pause or stop the interview/focus group at any point. Information about support services, professional networks, and wellbeing resources will be provided. If participants become distressed, the researcher will respond sensitively and offer to reschedule, stop, or signpost to appropriate support.

Data protection and confidentiality measures

All data will be collected, stored, and processed in line with UK GDPR and university ethical guidelines. Interview recordings will be securely stored on encrypted, password-protected systems, and transcripts will be anonymised. Only the researcher and supervisory team will have access to the raw data. Identifiable information will not be shared beyond the research team.

Confidentiality

Participation involves a confidential interview, all information collected will be kept strictly confidential and stored securely in line Data Protection Act 2018, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016 and the University of Bedfordshire data protection policies. The participants name and any identifying details will not appear in any publications. 

All the information is confidential and anonymised and only shared with my supervisors, assessors at University of Bedfordshire and the examiners. 

Strict confidentiality will be maintained throughout the research process. Participants’ names and identifiable details will not appear in the thesis or any publications. Pseudonyms will be used in transcripts, reports, and presentations. The only circumstance under which confidentiality may be broken is if there is a disclosure of serious risk of harm to self or others, in which case appropriate safeguarding procedures will be followed.

Interviews

Semi-structured interviews will be conducted face to face or online via Microsoft Teams. Each interview will last approximately 90–120 minutes. With consent, interviews will be audio-recorded for transcription and analysis. Participants may choose not to answer specific questions and may withdraw from the interview at any time without giving a reason.

Practical details such as timelines and next steps

Interviews will take place September 2025 to November 2025.

Dissemination of the research findings 

On completion of the PhD following the examination process I provide a summary to participating Local authorities and organisation can offer a staff briefing for the managers, leaders and staff to consider how to implement the research recommendations.