Striving for Inclusivity in Research Design and Data Analysis

Ideas around corporate responsibility and social inclusivity are not new, but recent global events have brought them a broader awareness. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and following protests spurred the production of the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (1). Although widely criticised, the 2021 report did make a recommendation relevant to those concerned with inclusive research design: disaggregate the term "BAME" (2).

As CFP regularly advises on projects which aim to engage with wider audiences and previously underrepresented groups, the above recommendation got us thinking about how we can change our approach to consultation and encompass wider audiences beyond getting rid of the odd acronym.

Two of our team recently attended an excellent Market Research Society (MRS) training day on inclusive research design run by Sania Huq, a specialist in optimising research to include lesser heard groups. We also looked at what guidance was available. The Inclusive Data Taskforce, set up by the Office for National Statistics to explore how UK data and research could be more inclusive, released a report in 2021 containing eight key industry recommendations (3). The MRS also provide excellent guidance under their Diversity and Inclusion Best Practice Guides and FAQs (4).

Building on what we learnt, we have looked at our existing practices and reflected on how they can be improved.?

When undertaking research, we already utilise datasets such as the national census and Indices of Multiple Deprivation to understand our available audiences. Comparing the surrounding population with existing users of a space or place is critical in identifying those missing audiences and where engagement work should be focused.

Where possible, we will always utilise a range of approaches to capture as much of the audience as possible. This may include children and young person consultation to capture those not represented in a standard survey, drop-in sessions so we can speak with those who may not be able to complete a regular online or paper survey and outreach work.

Unfortunately, budgets and time are not infinite, and there is a limit to the number of approaches we can take. This is why working closely with clients and key stakeholders is vital to maximising the time available. By taking a nuanced approach, listening to community experts and never underestimating the power of qualitative research (or a good conversation!), we can build a clear image of our audiences and what they need.

Transparency with all those involved is also key to inclusive research design. When dealing with respondents, we will always be clear about our research aims and how the data will be used. With clients, we will always communicate any limitations of the work and be clear about the constraints and issues we encounter.??

Moving forward, we recognise there are areas where we can improve. Our research will no longer use the term "BAME" to ensure we recognise the inter and intra-group differences between ethnic minorities. We have also restructured how we ask respondents about their backgrounds in our surveys; options are now alphabetised, and respondents can self-describe where possible. In keeping with the recommendations of the Inclusive Data Taskforce (3), we will also review our standards regularly to reflect changing social norms.

We have also recently signed up to Institute for Social Value , a professional body that provides principles, training and networking opportunities for organisations that value people, inclusivity and equality (5). CFP will be holding itself accountable to the principles of social value and carrying out a self-assessment over the next few weeks to see how we can further improve our approach to research and more.

For information on the MRS inclusive research design course, please visit: https://bit.ly/3QoIum8

(1)???Suliman, A. (2021). Report launched after George Floyd protests suggest U.K. isn’t racist. Many disagree. Available: https://nbcnews.to/3THFZye

(2)???Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. (2021). Summary of recommendations. Available: https://bit.ly/3cRM0YJ

(3)???Office for National Statistics. (2021). Inclusive data taskforce Recommendations report Leaving no one behind. How can we be more inclusive in our data? Available: https://bit.ly/3TQMr5Z

(4)???Market Research Society. (n.d.). Diversity and Inclusion Best Practice Guides and FAQs. Available: https://bit.ly/3AVdxAy

(5)???Social Value UK. (n.d.). Available: https://bit.ly/3TPzglZ