Research Study on the Psychosocial Impact of Blowing the Whistle: Information Letter & Informed Consent Form

Informed Consent form for Research Participants

Title of the Study: Understanding the Psychosocial Impact on Whistleblowers and Their Support Structures

Research Conducted by: Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) behalf of Whistleblower Support Platform for reform, an initiative from the Transparency, integrity and Accountability Programme (TIP).

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial impact experienced by whistleblowers and their support structures. We aim to explore the experiences of psychologists and mental health experts who provide care and support to whistleblowers, exploring their practices and challenges.

Why This Research?

We are conducting this research to generate evidence that can enhance psychosocial support services for individuals who blow the whistle on corruption and resource mismanagement in government, civil society, and the private sector, including witnesses, employees, and activists. Our primary aim is to understand the psychosocial experiences of whistleblowers and to document the perspectives of those affected by their actions, such as family members and associates. Additionally, we seek to learn from mental health and psychosocial practitioners who have worked with whistleblowers, focusing on effective strategies to expand psychosocial support and address the unique trauma associated with whistleblowing.

What Will Happen If You Decide to Take Part in This Research Study?

If you participate in this study, you will be interviewed for up to 45-55 minutes in a private setting, or you may join a focus group discussion lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Interviews will ideally be conducted in person; if not possible, they will take place remotely via a password-protected online platform (to be negotiated with each participant).

The interviewer will ask about your psychosocial experiences and views related to blowing the whistle. Your insights will help us enhance our approaches to trauma, healing and advocacy. Notes will be taken during the discussion, and with your permission, the session may be audio recorded. If you prefer not to be recorded, only notes will be taken. Recordings will be made on a non-internet-enabled device and deleted immediately after transcription to protect your privacy. No personally identifiable information will be included in the notes or transcript. Instead, we will agree on a general descriptor of your role, such as "civil society activist" or "national policymaker," for use in future presentations and publications.

Confidentiality: Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary and confidential. All information collected will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for research purposes. Identifying details will be removed or altered to ensure anonymity in any published findings.

Participation: If you choose to participate, you will be invited to take part in an interview or focus group discussion where you can share your experiences and insights related to the psychosocial support of whistleblowers. Your input will be invaluable in helping us develop strategies and interventions to enhance this support.

Voluntary Participation: Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You have the right to refuse to participate, withdraw from the study at any time, or decline to answer any specific questions without penalty.

Potential Risks and Benefits: We anticipate no or minimal risks of taking part in this study, discussing your experiences may evoke emotional responses. The interviewer will ask questions that some participants may find sensitive. If this process should cause distress, you can call the CSVR Mental Health helpline: +27 71 241 1831 and request an appointment to speak to a counsellor. Please also note that you have the right to decline to answer any questions without any penalty. You can also end the interview at any time without any penalty. There are no direct benefits to you for participating; however, your insights will contribute to improving psychosocial support for whistleblowers, potentially benefiting others in similar situations.

How will your data be used? None of your personal data will be gathered in the course of the interview, nor used in the course of the research / analysis. For ethical purposes, your name and signature will be recorded in the consent form accompanying this information sheet. A digital copy of this consent sheet will be stored in a password-protected folder on CSVR’s Salesforce. Only the four project team members will have access to this folder and your data will not be transferred, processed nor stored outside South Africa. This data (anonymised transcript or survey responses that contains no personally identifiable information) will be stored for three years as part of archiving our work after which time, it will be destroyed.

How will I find out what happens with this project? Participants who volunteer to participate will be presented with the preliminary findings of the study as per CSVR’s ethics approach wherein we present findings through verification sessions prior publication and further dissemination of knowledge products

What if I have a concern or complaint about inappropriate research procedures, possible misconduct or similar on the case study? It is CSVR’s policy that all those engaged with research maintain the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research; and ensure that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional obligations and standards. If you have a concern or complaint about research integrity related to this project, you can raise the concern through CSVR’s website: CSVR’s ethics hotline.

Contact Information: If you have any questions about the study or your participation, please feel free to contact Nomancotsho Pakade at npakade@csvr.org.za at +2767 054 0852 or Amina Mwaikambo at +2764 072 4854 or email amwaikambo@csvr.org.za. For questions regarding your rights as a participant, you may contact CSVR’s ethics hotline. https://ethicshotline.csvr.org.za/

Consent Statement: By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided above, and you agree to participate in this study. You understand that you can withdraw at any time without any repercussions.

Please see information letter below:

Question Title

* 1. My name and surname is / (pseudo name)

Question Title

* 2. By clicking on the below I grant permission for this consent form [and it acts as my signature]

Yes

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* 3. Todays date is:

Date / Time

Date

Question Title

* 4. Researcher Name & surname

Greetings,

We are reaching out to inform you about an important research initiative being conducted by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) on behalf of Whistleblower Support Platform for reform, an initiative from the Transparency, integrity and Accountability Programme (TIP).

CSVR was established in 1989, CSVR is dedicated to building reconciliation, democracy, and a culture of human rights in South Africa and beyond. Our work aims to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects, and foster sustainable peace at community, national, and regional levels.

Purpose of the Research: The primary purpose of this research is to comprehensively explore the psychosocial impact experienced by whistleblowers and their support structures. We are also interested in understanding the experiences of psychologists and other mental health experts who provide care and services to whistleblowers. This research aims to gain insights into the unique challenges and aspects of trauma faced by these individuals as activists, human rights defenders and witnesses along with the psychosocial practices employed when offering support.

Overall Goal: Our overall goal is to provide valuable resources (research report, manual and papers) focusing specifically on psychosocial support interventions that promote the psychological well-being of whistleblowers.

Confidentiality and Ethics: We want to assure you that this research will be conducted ethically and confidentially. Your participation will be invaluable in helping us understand the experiences and needs of whistleblowers and their support systems. All information gathered will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will only be used for research purposes.

Your Participation: If you accept the invitation to voluntarily participate, you may be asked to share your experiences and insights in one or more of the following activities: in-depth interview, survey or focus group discussion. Your contributions will help us develop informed strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing the psychosocial support available to whistleblowers.

Contact Information: If you have any questions or would like more information about the research, please do not hesitate to contact Nomancotsho Pakade at npakade@csvr.org.za or +2767 054 0852 or Amina Mwaikambo at amwaikambo@csvr.org.za or +2764 072 4854. If you wish to report any concerns regarding the research, please visit CSVR’s ethics hotline

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to vital research that aims to improve the lives of whistleblowers and support their journey toward healing and empowerment.

Warm regards,