Information for Participants:
Welcome to our survey
The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of the experiences and perceptions of racism for people of colour working or studying in the UK marine, coastal and fisheries sector. In order to inform development and monitor the effectiveness of appropriate interventions to tackle racism and increase diversity in the sector, it is necessary to understand people’s experiences and perceptions of all types of racism. From the insight gathered we want to educate leaders on how to build truly inclusive environments and dismantle racism within the sector.
Who is eligible to take part in this study?
For the purposes of this survey we are collectively referring to black, brown and biracial people as people of colour. Anyone identifying as a person of colour working or studying in any part of the UK marine, coastal and fisheries sector is eligible to take part. This includes those in seafood production, grassroots organisations, campaigning organisations, voluntary roles and so on.
What does taking part involve?
You will be asked to answer sixteen ‘tick box’ questions and four ‘free text’ questions to tell us about your experiences and perceptions of racism while studying or working in the sector, and the impact that this has had on you. Please provide as much detail as you feel comfortable providing when writing about your experiences, as this helps with our qualitative analyses.
We are also planning to conduct a small number of follow-up telephone interviews with selected participants to explore their experiences further. If you are willing to be contacted you will be able to provide contact information at the end of the questionnaire. You will not be under any obligation to proceed with an interview if you change your mind.
Is participation in this study voluntary?
Yes. If taking part upsets you in any way, we encourage you to contact sources of support provided throughout the questionnaire. These specialist mental health providers have a sound understanding of racism: The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (https://www.baatn.org.uk), The Black Wellbeing Collective (https://www.theblackwellbeingcollective.com) and Bayo (https://www.bayo.uk), in addition to the Samaritans (call 116123 www.samaritans.org).
Is this study anonymous?
Yes. Interview volunteers will be asked to provide a contact method such as an email address or phone number, but are not required to give their name. In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018, we will not use these contact details for any other purpose and will not share them with anyone else. Once the study is completed, contact details will be permanently deleted.
How will the information I provide be used?
The accounts provided will be qualitatively analysed and findings will be presented at scientific conferences, to marine, coastal and fisheries professional bodies, and published in an academic journal. Reports and presentations will include selected direct quotes from participants’ accounts. We will remove or change any potential identifiers of any individual or organisation from the quotes we use.
Can I withdraw from this study at any time?
You are able to withdraw from this study at any time prior to submitting your questionnaire responses. However, once submitted, anonymised data cannot be withdrawn.
Does this study have ethical approval?
Yes. Ethical approval has been granted by Black Ocean Citizens. If you have any further questions about this study, please contact: Rosie Tudor: rosie@coastms.co.uk
