Learning and Teaching Enhancement Section
Students as Researchers Scheme 2017/2018
Staff Application Form
Name / Robert CrowSection/Subject / Research (Social Futures Institute)
School/Department / School of Social Sciences, Business & Law
Contact email /
Title of research project/activity / Year Three evaluation of the Groundwork North East & Cumbria ‘Street Eats’ Big Lottery funded project in Redcar & Cleveland
Pedagogic or Discipline Specific / Discipline specific cross-subject
Summary of project research activity / The Groundwork North East & Cumbria ‘Street Eats’ Big Lottery funded project is a three year project currently in its second year which is aimed towards the removal of barriers such as cost, knowledge and understanding and the growth and use of fresh produce in local residents lives. The long term intention of the project is to direct towards an improvement in long term health in line with the joint priority needs identified by the South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group and Redcar & Cleveland Public Health (For a summary of identified priorities see This link also directs towards the annual Health Profile for the Redcar & Cleveland local authority area.) The priorities are to reduce local health inequalities, reduce early deaths from cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, to address obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption issues.
The project activities are focussed around three wards (Dormanstown, Loftus and Lockwood (Lingdale)) which ranked highly in terms of deprivation in the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 ( and in the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015 (
Groundwork NE & Cumbria are working with two external partner organisations in the project areas and it is intended that there will be improved knowledge around diet and nutrition (assessed through ‘5 A Day’ participant recording of fruit/ vegetable intake).
This has proved somewhat difficult to maintain with participants in Year One so investigation is underway into alternative methods of recording this data. For participants there is also the opportunity for training in cooking and horticulture and the aim of reducing social isolation and loneliness within communities through an increase in volunteering opportunities and increased social interaction at project hubs.
Changes in wellbeing are being assessed through quarterly self-monitoring of participants completing the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) ( which has become widely used by health practitioners in client self-evaluation and is recognised as practitioner validated. Participant up-take of this method has been erratic/ poor and currently alternative methods of undertaking this data collection are under discussion.
For publicity and reporting of previous Groundwork North East & Cumbria ‘Street Eats’ activities see
For further statistical information Tees Valley Unlimited publish a range of socio-economic data at and NOMIS also contains a wide range of data at the local authority and ward level
Have you obtained ethical clearance for this project? / Yes clearance was via the SSL&B Ethics Committee meeting on 22nd October 2015 with the role of the Student As Researcher explicitly detailed
Summary of student tasks / The co-construction of the research tools such as interview schedules, questionnaires and spreadsheets with the researcher.
The main task for the student will be the undertaking of a small number of short semi-structured interviews with ‘Street Eats’ partner organisations, ‘Street Eats’ volunteers and participants in the ‘Street Eats’ project. These interviews will take place in the following wards of Redcar and Cleveland, Dormanstown, Loftus and Lockwood. (Interviews will be a maximum duration of 30 minutes)
The student as researcher will be required to undertake transcription of some of the interviews they have undertaken (n=3) (Approximately 12 hours of time).The student will also undertake analysis involving data that is both quantitative and qualitative in nature using diverse software packages based upon their interview activities and project related data. As appropriate these would include Microsoft Excel, SPSS and (possibly) NVIVO 10 transcription analysis software (this is dependent on the complexity of interview responses.)
The Steering Group of the ‘Street Eats’ project have expressed their desire that the student should attend the quarterly meetings of the Steering Group alongside the researcher to enhance the students experience of their research engagement and to obtain the student’s feedback as to the project and its activities.
Research output(s) for student (Please detail the tasks that the student(s) will be involved in and how these will develop their research skills) / The evaluation will produce a report based on the research findings of the student and the researcher which will include: a statement of research findings across the areas identified above, a summary of findings in terms of potential and actual future funding needs, a summary of the impacts the programme may have delivered to the point of report production, recommendations for future work or development and a statement on the changes to the diet, lifestyle and wellbeing of participants as indicated through the analysis of findings.
The research outputs for the student will include:
- A written analysis of a range of quantitative socio-economic data of both the wards in which the research is occurring and the wider Redcar & Cleveland local authority area. Data sources for this will include (but not be limited to) those indicated above and a wider range of NHS and public health data sources;
- A written analysis of the semi-structured interviews undertaken;
- A synthesis of the above to provide an overview of the activities undertaken within the project and their relevance to the participants, volunteers and organisations in terms of both outputs and outcome;
- The above will be the basis of the report submitted to the funders of this evaluation to assist them in the preparation of future bids for future funding and will therefore have real world impact.
- Experience in manipulating anonymised data sets to produce a range of statistical outputs (predominantly frequency counts and cross-tabs);
- Experience in analysing qualitative data to provide a wider social context for the statistical analysis undertaken (above);
- Experience in producing a research report to meet external clients’ needs and requirements to an appropriate standard of presentation.
- Engagement with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds and varying ages as a part of the interview process;
- Practical engagement with the issues and complexities of conducting research within an ethical framework and the limitations this may impose.
In terms of employability skills the student will be involved in ‘real life’ research which will require the use and enhancement of communication skills in general, small group working and discussion skills development and ICT use in a wide range of packages using real-world data from a variety of central government and local databases.
Project engagement will illustrate to future employers the student’s engagement in real-world research on an area of public policy concern and the student’s ability to determine appropriate analysis of primary and secondary data and their ability to act as a part of a team in order to derive meaningful findings from such disparate materials.
Engagement will also illustrate the student’s capabilities in acting as a member of a team and on their own initiative as required in order to ensure appropriate data recognition and collection of evaluation materials.
Are there specific criteria students need to address when applying for the project? (e.g. specific research skills, discipline knowledge) / Students should be aware they will be required to undertake the DBS clearance process. This will be via the School of Social Sciences, Business & Law unless the student has pre-existing DBS or e-CRB clearances.
Given the locations where interviews will take place (Dormanstown, Loftus and Lingdale (Lockwood ward) in Redcar & Cleveland) this project may best be suited to an undergraduate student who either a) has their own transport or b) lives within the Redcar & Cleveland area or c) can reach these areas without a great deal of travel time.
Anticipated timeline for project / October 2015 to July 2018.
Year Two evaluation timescale September 2017 to July 2018.
Student engagement is timetabled for the period 29 January 2018 to 27 April 2018. The intention is for engagement to be up to 8 hours a week (variable) over the (approximate) 9 week period. This will be negotiated with the student. Activities will be structured to have no impact on the student’s academic and external commitments.
The proposed timetable of activities (subject to student agreement) is as follows and is designed to be flexible to meet changing student requirements:
January 2018: Week 1 (29th January) 6 HOURS TOTAL
Introduction to the research activity, ethical requirements of the project and of social research in general in regards to research practice. SAR administration and ‘housekeeping’ issues arising from these points
2 HOURS
Preliminary data collation with researcher 1 HOUR
Co-construction of interview/questionnaires schedules with the researcher for the ‘Street Eats’ Partner Organisations derived from an ‘interview bank’ of questions developed by the researcher. 2 HOURS
Potential Attendance at Steering Group Meeting (Middlesbrough)
1 HOUR
February 2018: Week 2 (5th February) 6 HOURS TOTAL
Co-construction of interview/questionnaires schedules with the Researcher for:
a) ‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers
2 HOURS
b) ‘Street Eats’ Participants 2 HOURS
Discussion and workshop with the researcher around the issues of interview ethics and practice (see section below)
2 HOURS
February 2018: Week 3 (12th February) 5 HOURS TOTAL
‘Street Eats’ Partner Organisations Interviews and associated travel time
4 HOURS
Street Eats’ Partner Organisations Interviews debrief
1 HOUR
February 2018: Week 4 (19th February) 7 HOURS TOTAL
Street Eats’ Partner Organisations Interviews transcription
6 HOURS
Interim Progress Workshop 1 HOUR
February 2018: Week 5 (25th February) 4 HOURS TOTAL
Interim Progress Report 2 HOURS
Data analysis 2 HOURS
March2018: Week 6 (5th March) 6 HOURS TOTAL
Data analysis 2 HOURS
‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers interviews, associated travel time and debrief
4 HOURS
March 2018: Week 7 (12th March) 8 HOURS TOTAL
Conclusion of ‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers interviews, associated travel time and debrief
4 HOURS
Transcription of some of the ‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers interviews 4 HOURS
March 2018: Week 8 (19th March ) 5 HOURS TOTAL
Collation of data from interviews into data analysis for report
5 HOURS
NO DATE: Attendance at second Steering Group Meeting (Middlesbrough) 1 HOUR TOTAL
NO DATE: If sufficient interview data analysis using NVIVO 10
8 HOURS TOTAL
Number of student hours required (max. 65 hours) / 60 (including 4 hours flexibility)
Activity Breakdown and Timings (Approximation only)
Introduction to the research activity, ethical requirements of the project and of social research in general in regards to research practice. SAR administration and ‘housekeeping’ issues arising from these points 2 HOURS
Co-construction of interview/questionnaires schedules with the Researcher for:
a)‘Street Eats’ Partner Organisations 2 HOURS
b)‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers
2 HOURS
c)‘Street Eats’ Participants 2 HOURS
It is emphasised that the student should feel no concerns in identifying what they may feel to be shortcomings in the questions suggested by the researcher or to identify areas where they feel there is not a natural ‘flow’ to these questions. Peer discussion and collaboration is an essential part of the research process and discussion is welcomed by the researcher.
Discussion and workshop with the researcher around the issues of interview ethics and practice, addressing common situations, issues and protocols and procedures to adopt if ethically sensitive/ criminal data/ information is disclosed. Safety protocols in place which the student should follow before, during and after the interview.
The policies and protocols to follow in the event of ethically sensitive/ criminal data/ information disclosure are those as specified in the Ethical Clearance for the project and will be detailed to the student by the researcher.
The student will be issued with a sheet detailing the safety protocols following the workshop with the researcher of which they must sign and date two copies. One copy to be retained by the student the remaining copy to be kept on file by the researcher.
It will be emphasised that the student’s safety (emotional, psychological and physical) is the primary issue. It will be stressed that this is paramount above the needs of the project activity. The means in which this will be supported have been detailed in the Ethical Clearance for this project.
The student will be briefed by the researcher on common questions which the interviewee may have at the start of the interview session. If a query arises which has not been discussed and the student feels they cannot answer they are asked to refer the interviewee to the researcher whose details are present on the Project Information Form and the Consent and Withdrawal forms they have been issued.
This workshop will include role-play with the student around how to conduct interviews on a one-to-one basis and how to develop an appropriate questioning technique to allow for the gathering of more qualitative information within the question format.
The student will be issued with a Digital Recorder in order to audio record the interview, a personal alarm and a mobile phone in order to be in contact with the researcher and to follow safety protocols before, during and after the interview as specified in the Ethical Clearance for this project and in the workshop with the researcher.
2 HOURS
Undertaking semi-structured interviews as above:
It is intended the student will act as a participant observer in at least one of each of the following interviews with the researcher as the lead interviewer. The student will only be expected to undertake interviews as the sole interviewer when they are comfortable in so doing.
The interviewee will be issued with two copies of a standardised consent and withdrawal form which they must sign and date. One copy to be retained by the interviewee, one copy to be retained by the interviewer and held in a secure environment following return to Teesside University. (These forms have been subject to Ethical Clearance).
The interviewee will be issued with (and retain) a ‘project information form’ which details the purpose of the research and of the interview. The interviewee will be prompted to ask if they have queries related to the research or the interviews themselves. (This form has been subject to Ethical Clearance).
a)‘Street Eats’ Partner Organisations (3) At least one of which will be as participant observer (30 min (max) x 3)
1.5 HOURS
b)‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers (4) At least one of which will be as a participant observer (30 min (max) x4)
2.5 HOURS
Transport times to interview locations. One hour per interview – this is a MAXIMUM VALUE (This assumes each interview occurs in a separate location and separate date – in practice this will be unlikely as the interviews will occur during project activities. No more than two interviews will be expected to be completed in any one day due to interviewer fatigue).
7 HOURS
Debriefing with Researcher following interviews (if required by the Student or Researcher)
4 HOURS
Debriefing is an essential part of the research process and allows, in a supportive environment, the student and researcher to discuss issues which may have arisen during, or as a consequence of, the interview process. These sessions will allow the student to identify any issues they may have found with:
a)the content of the interview question schedule and to work on possible solutions to these with the researcher for following interviews;
b)ethical concerns they may have around the interview practice or process;
c)ethical or other concerns they may have regarding the interviewee;
d)ethical or other concerns they may have regarding the interview location.
These potential issues and the means of addressing them have been subject to Ethical Clearance for the project and will be discussed with the student in the initial workshop for the project and in the workshop specifically related to the interview process.
Transcription of a selection of the ‘Street Eats’ Partner Organisation interviews listed above 2 interviews @ 3 hours per 30 minute (max) interview 6 HOURS
Transcription of a selection of the ‘Street Eats’ Groundwork NE & Cumbria Volunteers interviews listed above 2 interviews @ 3 hours per 30 min (max) interview
6 HOURS
If required due to complexity of interview responses possible use of category analysis software eg NVIVO for a subset of interviews 8 HOURS
Analysis of combined secondary and primary data sources from Groundwork NE & Cumbria and the Student’s own interviews
5 HOURS
Attendance at Steering Group Meetings – depending on time availability this may be one, one hour meeting or two one hour meetings 2 HOURS
APPROXIMATION TOTAL (incs 6 hours flexibility)
60 HOURS
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THE MAXIMUM TOTAL ALLOWED HOURS (65 HOURS) BE EXCEEDED
Are there any additional costs associated with the student researcher i.e. travel? Please provide details of how this will be funded / Travel costs for the student (at Teesside University approved rates) have been included in the project evaluation budget to allow for the undertaking of interviews and attending meetings with the researcher (if that is not a normal attendance day for the student at the university.)
Signed
/ Date
25 September 2018
Approved by Head of Department/Director
/ Date
Students as Researchers Scheme