Looking After You Peer Wellbeing

Participant Information Sheet

The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has been commissioned to continue the evaluation of the Looking After You suite of offers, including an evaluation of the new Peer Wellbeing sessions. The aim of the Peer Wellbeing sessions is to provide peer support in coach-facilitated virtual groups to all, with specific groups available for men, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. IES plans to observe the Peer Wellbeing process to explore its effectiveness, identify areas for improvement and observe any evidence of early impact. The research findings will be used to make improvements to the Peer Wellbeing offer for future participants.

What does the observation involve?

IES aim to observe a selection of the Peer Wellbeing sessions from September – October 2023. Upon signing up for the sessions, you will be provided with the opportunity to opt out of the observation. If you select this option, you will not be assigned to a session with an observer. If you choose not to opt out, you may be assigned to a session with an observer. Every participant will be asked for their consent to be observed before the session begins.

During the observations, following an introduction our researcher will turn off their camera and microphone and will not participate in the sessions. Your experience will not be altered due to the presence of an IES researcher. The aim of the observation is to evaluate how the Peer Wellbeing process works, and while we will capture some top-level details about the content and topic areas discussed, this is not the focus of the observation. This is so that we can understand how effective the process is and where improvements and changes can be made to improve it for future cohorts.

What will happen with my data?

The observations will not be audio or video recorded. The notes captured by IES researchers will be anonymous, and will not include any personal data, so you will not be identifiable in any of the outputs generated. All research outputs will be managed in line with GDPR legislation. The findings of this research will not be published.

We will be conducting the observations from September 2023 until we have completed eight sessions.

Whom do I contact to take part or to ask questions?

If you are interested in participating in the observation, or if you have any further questions about the research, please contact our research manager, Megan Edwards megan.edwards@employment-studies.co.uk

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