Informed consent - by Theresa Wigley

ACTIVITY #8: PARTICIPATORY ANALYSIS

Material Flipchart, coloured cards, khoki pens, tape, prestik/blue tack, computers to watch video stories, all notes and audio recordings transcribed and duplicated Group Size 5 to 9 people Place Important to have comfortable space for this, and room for focused breakaway groups, with lots of wall area for sticking things on

Time 4 - 8hrs

The aim of this activity is to support the thematic analysis of the stories in a participatory manor by identifying the main areas of change, and key enabling and blocking factors in the stories.

• introduce the aims and flow of the day, recap the story collection process if any newcomers • in small groups, read and watch all of the stories • discuss key changes in each story, note these on cards (one change per card) • repeat the process for enablers (one per card, different coloured card) • repeat the process for blockers (one per card, different coloured card) • sort all these cards into piles that have common meaning or connection • give a name to each grouping and stick them on the wall • give the group a chance to add anything they think is missing (on different coloured card) • discuss results • record conclusions and recommendations (record these on flipchart) • the analysis can be shared in video report, photo-story and written report

Notes: • All stories must be analysed, not just the chosen ones • analyse one story together to begin as an example and to set a common method • when recording changes, blockers and enablers, use the storytellers words as much as possible • ensure what is written on the cards makes sense to an outside audience (may need more than one word)

INFORMED CONSENT

by Theresa Wigley

It is critically important in work that involves any kind of gathering of peoples information or stories, to always be very clear with all of the involved parties what the purpose of collecting the information is, and where and how those stories may be shared.

There are many ways to go about the consent process, and you should always pick the best one for each individual that you are working with. Some may prefer written consent forms, some may prefer verbal recorded consent. It is important to be very thorough in explaining all the different levels of consent, going into the details of what it means for a video to be shared on youtube or in a project report.

It should be made known that restrictions can be put on consent, it is not just a simple yes or no process. The aim is to make sure that the storytellers are fully aware of what they are giving consent to, and that they maintain the power to decide throughout. This means you will need to ensure that they know the correct contact details and channels to contact you in the future should they wish to withdraw their consent at any stage.

Paper-based consent This is only advisable if participants are literate and the form is in a language that they are fluent in. Create two forms for each person - one they sign and give to you, and one they keep as a record. The form should include the details of the project, contact details for you or the organisation and details of where the video will be shared and how they can access it.

Recorded consent If literacy or language is a challenge, then it is always preferable to video record the consent process. After you have had a discussion about all the different levels and ensured that everyone understands this thoroughly, allow each individual to come up to the camera and state their name and which levels they consent to, as