Can you only do qualitative research?
No! I have been fortunate to have had really good all-round training so will probably be able to help with most things you need – qualitative or quantitative. However, I find there is demand for the very specialised qualitative and evaluation skills I have developed over the years. I am in touch with a network of very talented freelancers, some of whom specialise in advanced quantitative data analysis should very specialised knowledge be needed for a project.
What is your fee?
I charge a day rate, based on an seven and a half hour day. For every project I log the time I spend on each task and only charge for uninterrupted work on particular activities. A consulting day is quite different to the average working day because there are no tea breaks, chats with colleagues, and time spent staring into the distance included! A ‘day’ can often be spread over several days if I am doing something that requires concentration and quality (e.g., coding).
I tailor a quote for each project, so please contact me for initial chat, with no obligation. I will provide you with a quote, with a breakdown of costs for each area you need help with e.g., for data generation, coding, analysis, and writing. You can then consider costs and how you would like to proceed.
I am a sole trader and do not currently earn over the threshold needed to start charging VAT, which helps keeps costs to you down.
Do you do all of the work yourself?
Yes. Unless we have explicitly discussed sub-contracting some of the work out (e.g. hiring a specialist librarian to help with a systematic review or a quantitative modeller), all work will done by me.
Are you too busy to take on my project?
Please check in with me and ask. It tends to be feast or famine with freelancing, so there are times in the year when I may be twiddling my thumbs!
If I am unable to take on your project, I can put you in touch with other qualitative researchers I know who also work freelance.
What about safeguarding?
I am a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme (Disclosure Scotland), which helps ensure that people unsuitable to do work with children and protected adults cannot do work with these groups. Any new client can be added to my membership. I also keep an up-to-date basic Disclosure & Barring Certificate for England & Wales. I am happy to apply for enhanced disclosure if needed for specific projects.
Are you insured?
Yes. I am insured up to £2, 000 000 for liability and £2, 000 000 indemnity. New clients can request a copy of my policy.
How do you manage and store data?
I had training from the Medical Research Council on best practice in research data management and on Data Protection. This is knowledge that I keep up to date on. I comply with organisational and funder policies on managing and storing data safely and would also defer to agreements made on the ethics application. I do not retain any data or documentation about a study after work is completed from my end. I use data shredding software to ensure it is safely removed from my computer.
Do you offer training in qualitative research and evaluation?
Yes. I have delivered bespoke training in both qualitative research and evaluation to organisations that needed staff to develop these skills. I have also supported teams conducting emotionally demanding research and those who are working with seldom asked groups. Please contact me to discuss your team’s needs.
Is there anyone you cannot provide research services to?
Unfortunately, I cannot provide data generation, analysis or writing services to PhD researchers if that work will be used in their thesis. That is because exam requirements are for candidates to have done all of the work presented in their thesis themselves. I would also not wish to interfere with the advice of a supervisory team, so would not offer an opinion on research design, etc. I can offer support with development of research and writing skills and offer training in interviewing and analysis.
Dr Rosaleen O'Brien 