Peer Researchers

Recruit via groups & organisations diverse young people already trust

Run taster sessions while recruiting, use creative workshops to introduce aims

Be really clear about the skills you need, then audit before planning training

Invest in time for bonding work before training starts – have some fun!

Use existing training in peer research methods – qualification?

Pay properly and focus research over a shorter time to keep engagement levels

Data capture – use recording devices, online forms for consent, few key questions

Pay someone else to do transcription if that’s needed. 

Analysis – use a simple question model, ask them to find quotes

Safeguarding – really important! 

• Process for peer researchers to flag concerns for interviewees and to safeguard themselves

• Give lots of support and training around this

Give the young researchers a platform to share their findings, creatively!

Embed evaluation from the start, including time to reflect on the process overall.