Our quarterly online research forum, facilitated by Homeless Link’s research team, is for anyone involved in conducting research around homelessness. The Forum aims to create opportunities for joint learning and discussion, particularly in ways that lead to practical insights that can be directly applied to participants' work in the homelessness and adjacent sectors and help develop our practice. This is also a space for people to connect and support each other. This year, the theme of the research forum is Lived Experience.
This is the second session in our series, and will explore the challenges and practicalities around gaining informed consent when conducting research with vulnerable populations.
Ethically valid consent is an essential component of any research project. However, when working with vulnerable populations the way we understand and approach consent can involve different considerations. This can be particularly true when exploring topics such as substance misuse, cognitive impairment or neurodivergence. It is important that the process of gaining consent is designed with the appropriate adjustments and support in place to ensure inclusive and ethical participation.
In this session, we’ll hear from academics and researchers who will share their experience of the consent process when conducting research with such populations. There will also be time for group discussion and to consider questions such as:
- how ‘informed’ participants can be considered to be;
- what does a suitable recruitment and consent process look like that allows for voices to be heard whilst meeting high ethical guidelines and standards;
- navigating on-going consent as people’s presentation in interviews changes.
Register now!
Date: 9th July 2025, Wednesday
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
Where: Online (Zoom)
If you have any queries, feel free to email research@homelesslink.org.uk