Coventry University Research: Participant Information Sheet for Study

This document is a participant information sheet intended for individuals invited to participate in a research study conducted by Coventry University. The sheet outlines the study's purpose, which involves [SUMMARISE THE RESEARCH FOCUS AND AIMS], and explains why participants have been chosen, which is due to [REASONS]. It details the benefits of participation, emphasizing the contribution to understanding [KEY RESEARCH FOCUS], while also addressing potential risks and ethical considerations, approved through Coventry University’s formal research ethics procedure. The sheet clarifies participant rights, including voluntary participation, withdrawal options, and data protection measures in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. It also provides information on data confidentiality, storage, and potential use in research outputs, and offers contact details for inquiries and complaints. The sheet concludes by detailing the dissemination of research results and the process for making a complaint.

[PROJECT TITLE]
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
You are being invited to take part in research on [RESEARCH SUBJECT]. [NAME], [POSITION] at
Coventry University is leading this research. Before you decide to take part it is important you understand
why the research is being conducted and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following
information carefully.
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of the study is to [SUMMARISE THE RESEARCH FOCUS AND AIMS. IF THERE IS
MORE THAN ONE PURPOSE TO THE STUDY, EACH MUST BE SPECIFIED SO THAT
APPROPRIATE AND EXPLICIT INFORMED CONSENT CAN BE OBTAINED]
Why have I been chosen to take part?
You are invited to participate in this study because you [REASONS].
What are the benefits of taking part?
By sharing your experiences with us, you will be helping [NAME] and Coventry University to better
understand the [KEY RESEARCH FOCUS].
Are there any risks associated with taking part?
This study has been reviewed and approved through Coventry University’s formal research ethics procedure.
There are no significant risks associated with participation. [IF THERE ARE ANY SIGNIFICANT RISKS,
THESE MUST BE SPECIFIED].
Do I have to take part?
No – it is entirely up to you. If you do decide to take part, please keep this Information Sheet and complete
the Informed Consent Form to show that you understand your rights in relation to the research, and that you
are happy to participate. Please note down your participant number (which is on the Consent Form) and
provide this to the lead researcher if you seek to withdraw from the study at a later date. You are free to
withdraw your information from the project data set at any time [DELETE AS APPROPRIATE] until the
data are destroyed on [ENTER DATE]/until the data are fully anonymised in our records on [ENTER
DATE]. You should note that your data may be used in the production of formal research outputs (e.g.
journal articles, conference papers, theses and reports) prior to this date and so you are advised to contact the
university at the earliest opportunity should you wish to withdraw from the study. To withdraw, please
contact the lead researcher (contact details are provided below). Please also contact the Research Support
Office [INSERT IN BRACKETS HERE THE EMAIL ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE
FACULTY RESEARCH SUPPORT OFFICE OR EQUIVALENT IN YOUR DEPARTMENT, URC OR
FACULTY – E.G. FOR FBL, THIS WOULD BE email [e-mail]; telephone
[phone]] so that your request can be dealt with promptly in the event of the lead researcher’s
absence. You do not need to give a reason. A decision to withdraw, or not to take part, will not affect you in
any way.
What will happen if I decide to take part?
You will be asked a number of questions regarding [BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE KINDS OF DATA YOU
WILL REQUIRE]. The questionnaire/interview/focus group [DELETE AS APPROPRIATE] will take place
in a safe environment at a time that is convenient to you. Ideally, we would like to audio record your
responses (and will require your consent for this), so the location should be in a fairly quiet area. The
questionnaire/interview/focus group [DELETE AS APPROPRIATE] should take around [SPECIFY
LIKELY TIME DURATION] to complete.
Participant Information Sheet

Data Protection and Confidentiality
Your data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) and
the Data Protection Act 2018. All information collected about you will be kept strictly confidential. Unless
they are fully anonymised in our records, your data will be referred to by a unique participant number rather
than by name. If you consent to being audio recorded, all recordings will be destroyed once they have been
transcribed. Your data will only be viewed by the researcher/research team. [IF THE DATA ARE TO BE
SHARED WITH 3RD PARTIES YOU MUST DECLARE THIS HERE AND NAME THE PARTIES
CONCERNED]. All electronic data will be stored on a password-protected computer file [STATE
WHERE]. All paper records will be stored in a locked filing cabinet [STATE WHERE]. Your consent
information will be kept separately from your responses in order to minimise risk in the event of a data
breach. The lead researcher will take responsibility for data destruction and all collected data will be
destroyed on or before [ENTER DATE].
International Data Transfers [ONLY REQUIRED IF APPLICABLE]
Your data may/will [DELETE AS REQUIRED] be stored and processed in [STATE LOCATION]]. Please
note countries outside of the European Economic Area may not offer the same level of data privacy
protection as in the UK. [NB: YOU MUST CONTACT IPU BEFORE YOU STORE OR SHARE ANY
PERSONAL DATA OUTSIDE THE EEA].
Data Protection Rights
Coventry University is a Data Controller for the information you provide. You have the right to access
information held about you. Your right of access can be exercised in accordance with the General Data
Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. You also have other rights including rights of
correction, erasure, objection, and data portability. For more details, including the right to lodge a complaint
with the Information Commissioner’s Office, please visit www.ico.org.uk. Questions, comments and
requests about your personal data can also be sent to the University Data Protection Officer -
[e-mail]
What will happen with the results of this study?
The results of this study may be summarised in published articles, reports and presentations. Quotes or key
findings will always be made anonymous in any formal outputs unless we have your prior and explicit
written permission to attribute them to you by name.
Making a Complaint
If you are unhappy with any aspect of this research, please first contact the lead researcher, [NAME,
CONTACT DETAILS]. If you still have concerns and wish to make a formal complaint, please write to
[INSERT DETAILS OF SUPERVISOR, LINE MANAGER OR ASSOCIATE DEAN RESEARCH]:
[NAME]
[POSITION]
Coventry University
Coventry CV1 5FB
Email: [EMAIL]
In your letter please provide information about the research project, specify the name of the researcher and
detail the nature of your complaint.
Participant Information Sheet