Participant Information Sheet
You are being invited to participate in research investigating common mental health difficulties, risk, and protective factors for mental health in UK firefighters. This information will inform provision for mental health support for UK Fire & Rescue Service staff moving forward. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and feel free to ask us if you would like more information or if there is anything that you do not understand. It should be made clear that you may withdraw at any point by closing the browser or by clicking the "I want to withdraw" button placed at the end of each page. However, once you submit your answers, it will not possible to withdraw you after this point.
What is the purpose of the study?
Better understanding of firefighter's mental health is of global concern. Currently there is no standardised guidance in the UK, or adequate support in the Fire and Rescue Services that addresses firefighters' mental wellbeing. This research aims to understand the current state of mental health in UK Fire & Rescue Service staff, to establish areas for change moving forward.
Why have I been chosen?
The focus of this study is to identify mental health difficulties associated with the roles and responsibilities of Fire & Rescue Service staff during their daily work. You are being invited to take part in this study as you are currently employed by the Fire & Rescue Service.
Do I have to take part?
Your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary. If you do decide to take part, you will be given this information sheet to keep and will be asked to sign a consent form. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason. A decision not to take part, or a decision to withdraw at any time, will not affect your employment or any health care you receive.
What will happen if I take part?
You will be asked to complete an online survey, which should take 30-60 minutes. Please note, if you begin the survey and wish to return to it at a later date, please select the button at the bottom of the page "save and return later" and you will be emailed a unique link to re-access the survey from where you left off. The survey consists of a series of questions relating to your mental health in relation to your occupation, as well as demographic, situational and workplace factors which may contribute towards this. Examples of things you may be asked about include "how often in the last month have you felt nervous, anxious or on edge?" and "how often in the last month have you felt down, depressed or hopeless?" This information will inform provision for mental health support for UK Fire & Rescue Service staff moving forward and is, therefore, vitally important that you complete the survey as accurately as possible.
How will my data be used?
The University processes personal data as part of its research and teaching activities in accordance with the lawful basis of 'public task', and in accordance with the University's purpose of "advancing education, learning and research for the public benefit". I.e. lawful basis for processing personal data is 'Processing of personal data is necessary for a task carried out in the public interest where the task is one that UCLan is required or authorised to carry out by law. One of UCLan's functions is to carry out research and performing that function in the public interest'.
Under UK data protection legislation, the University acts as the Data Controller for personal data collected as part of the University's research. The University privacy notice for research participants can be found on the attached link https://www.uclan.ac.uk/data_protection/privacy-notice-research-participants.php
Personal information will be collected and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which legislate to protect personal information. All collected data will be stored on a password protected desktop computer on the University's OneDrive system, to which only the research team will have access. Data will be kept for 7 years after completion to facilitate full analyses of the data set and to promote secondary analyses, as per UCLan regulations, after which it will be deleted. Access to personal information such as names and email addresses that are not anonymised will be restricted solely to the research team. It is important to note, that although reports of findings will be shared with the Fire Brigades Union, they will not have access to any of your personal data or survey responses.
Are there any risks in taking part?
Although there is minimal risk of psychological harm resulting from taking part in this research, it is important to note the small risk of distress from being confronted with your experiences regarding the topics within this study. It is important to look after yourself and seek help/ guidance from https://www.mind.org.uk/, https://www.samaritans.org/ or https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/, or access any internal workplace resources if you feel you need support. Details of these organisations can be found at the bottom of this page.
Are there any benefits from taking part?
This project is expected to benefit UK firefighters by taking a first step in informing the provision for mental health support for UK Fire & Rescue Service staff moving forward.
What if I am unhappy or if there is a problem?
If you are unhappy, or if there is a problem, please feel free to let us know by contacting Dr Campodonico [ccampodonico@uclan.ac.uk] and we will try to help. If you remain unhappy or have a complaint which you feel you cannot come to us with, then please contact the Ethics, Integrity and Governance Unit at OfficerForEthics@uclan.ac.uk. The University strives to maintain the highest standards of rigour in the processing of your data. However, if you have any concerns about the way in which the University processes your personal data, it is important that you are aware of your right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office by calling 0303 123 1113.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this research project and if you feel that after reading this information, you would like to take part in the study, please indicate this to the researcher.
Contact details of investigatory team
University of Central Lancashire:
Principal Investigator:
Dr Carolina Campodonico
Email: CCampodonico@uclan.ac.uk
Professor Anna Stec
Email: AAStec@uclan.ac.uk
Student investigator:
Rachel Carey
Email: RACarey@uclan.ac.uk
Organisations:
Mind:
Mind is a UK charity whose mission is to support, connect and change minds in relation to mental health. They campaign to make mental health an everyday priority by standing up to injustices which make life harder for those with mental health problems. They also offer information, advice and local services to support individuals in need.
Tel: 0300 123 3393 Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/ Email: info@mind.org.uk
Samaritans:
Samaritans is a mental health charity aimed at supporting those struggling to cope with the pressures of life, specifically suicidal thoughts. Samaritans is not just aimed at moments of crisis, they're taking action to prevent crisis by giving people ways of coping. They have an emergency hotline for those in crisis.
Tel: 116 123 Website: https://www.samaritans.org/ Email: jo@samaritans.org
The Firefighters Charity:
The Firefighter's Charity designed to offer guidance on a range of topics, including mental health concerns, physical health concerns and crisis management for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. They offer tailored advice, specifically for firefighters and their loved ones.
Tel: 0300 373 0896 Website: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/