APPENDIX 1
Letter to Project Leaders/Managers
date
Dear
Research to identify and quantify the social capital outcomes of community learning and development ( CLD)
Communities Scotland has commissioned a research team from the University of Edinburgh to undertake a small pilot study related to the above. The purpose of the study is to identify useful indicators for measuring the progress made by project participants and communities as a result of their involvement in CLD projects. The aim is to establish - through retrospective accounts participants give - the nature and significance of the changes they have experienced. It is anticipated that the research will contribute towards a methodology for projects to self-measure social capital outcomes.
To undertake this research we would like to interview two or three people who participate in your project. The interview will probably last for between 30-45 minutes. We require that participants have been involved for a minimum of three months and a maximum of twelve months. In addition, we would also like to interview the project manager or someone working in a close professional capacity with those we interview. This will enable us to crosscheck the claims made by participants with the aspirations of the project.
To recognise the time participants will give to the research they will receive a £10 gratuity after the interview. They will also be asked to sign a consent form which explains the purpose of the research and how it will be used. All information from participants will be treated confidentially and anonymity is assured.
We hope you will agree to be involved in this research and that you will be able to facilitate a member of the research team interviewing the selected participants. We are quite happy for the individuals interviewed to be selected by you as long as they meet the above criteria.
We will ring you shortly to discuss the contents of this letter. If you require further information please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact Vivien Edwards 0131 651 4192, vivien.edwards@ed.ac.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Crowther
on behalf of Lyn Tett, Pat McLaughlin and Vivien Edwards