Confidence in the evidence starts with the process.

Explore the questions to ask about research design, fieldwork and participant care before your study begins.

Build quality into each stage.

Agree how the work will be prepared, monitored and checked, with responsibilities visible from the start.

Prepare the study
Review the sample, research tools and delivery plan against the decision the study needs to inform.
Monitor fieldwork
Agree supervision, progress reporting and how unusual responses or delivery issues will be investigated.
Check the data
Define validation, cleaning and documentation requirements before analysis and handover.

Participant safeguards belong in the research plan, not in a footnote.

Participation and consent
Clarify how the study will be explained, how consent will be recorded and how participants can decline or withdraw.
Privacy and access
Agree what information is necessary, who can access it and the retention arrangements for the study.
Read the privacy notice

Requirements vary by location, audience and method. Raise these questions while defining the scope.

Does the study need an ethics review or local permission?

Discuss the topic, participants and locations so the relevant approvals can be identified before fieldwork.

How will exceptions be handled?

What will be documented at handover?

Discuss the quality checks, participant safeguards and reporting requirements your study needs from the start.