Carrying out research about our services
We have produced a Research Governance Framework (RGF) for anyone interested in carrying out research about Peterborough City Council services.
Our definition of research is:
“The attempt to derive generalisable or transferable new knowledge to answer or refine relevant questions with scientifically sound methods”.
We are keen to encourage research as a valuable learning tool, but we also have a duty of care to our service users and staff who may be the subjects of any research carried out.
The purpose of our Research Governance Framework (RGF) is to ensure that research is conducted to a high standard and in line with legal obligations. All research and related activities should be well designed, well conducted and ethically sound.
The Research Governance Framework covers research in any part of the council. The framework doesn't cover work that isn't classed as research, and where information is being collected as a matter of routine, for example:
- Individual reviews of service users
- Service evaluations
- Collection of management and performance information
Information pack and application form
We ask that anyone considering conducting research about the council reads the following two documents:
- Research Governance Framework information pack – this includes a factsheet covering what you need to consider before starting your research. There’s also a flowchart summarising the application process.
- Application form - you need to seek our permission to conduct research
The length of time it takes us to process an application depends on the complexity of the proposal and the level of risk to participants.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the process, please email researchgovernance@peterborough.gov.uk.