Applications are currently being sought from suitably qualified professionals to provide an expression of interest for research with Roma in Ireland. The research project is to develop a national needs assessment of Roma in Ireland.
Background
In July 2014, the Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the removal of two Roma children from their families was published (the ‘Logan Report’). The report recommended that an assessment of need would be undertaken. Following this recommendation the national needs assessment of Roma was commissioned by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE).
DJE and Pavee Point are working collaboratively to steer the research. Pavee Point is managing the research process and 15 peer researchers have been contracted to undertake this research. A Research Advisory Group consisting of representatives from Departments, statutory and civil society organisations, is also acting in an advisory capacity to the research.
The Assessment will provide a socio-economic analysis of the situation of Roma in Ireland, using a thematic approach (education, health, housing, employment, domestic violence, child welfare, legal status and community safety) and will make recommendations across Government departments and in relation to service provision for Roma.
It is envisaged that a demographic profile will be provided of Roma in Ireland. The final report will be used to feed into Government strategies.
Methodology will include:
- Review of literature relating to Roma in Ireland and internationally;
- Analysis of service provision for Roma communities;
- Focus groups and interviews with service providers;
- Collection of quantitative data through interviews with over 150 Roma families;
- Collection of qualitative data through interviews and focus groups with Roma individuals;
- Consultations with other experts in the field.
Pavee Point wishes to contract a researcher to undertake the following tasks:
- Complete desk research exercise with a focus on the policy context in which services are being provided.
- Outline the research questions, parameters and methodology based on the existing ToR and desk research.
- Develop research tools, including quantitative questionnaire for Roma families, focus group questions and semi-structured interviews.
- Develop logistical and protocol documents for all aspects of the research.
Qualitative/Quantitative research with Roma
- Input in to pre-fieldwork meeting with peer researchers, including training on finalised instruments and protocols.
- Prepare the software for coding and inputting the data.
- Conduct pilot on questionnaire.
- Input data generated from the pilot phase, generate a report and revise the data coding and inputting processes post questionnaire piloting, where required.
- Supervise the data collection by peer researchers, including de-brief with peer researchers after fieldwork.
- Input the data and conduct data cleaning and processing.
- Undertake an initial analysis of data and generate an initial report on findings.
- Generate follow up reports based on the needs of the steering group (for example, crosstabulations, etc.).
- Organise and conduct approx. 4 focus groups with Roma – augmented with case studies and interviews as appropriate. (Focus group themes will follow on from analysis of quantitative research).
Qualitative research with service providers
- Conduct an analysis of existing service provision for Roma through contact with high level practitioners across relevant departments and agencies and other experts – 16 semistructured interviews. (Research with service providers will be completed following fieldwork with Roma).
- Conduct 6 focus groups with groups of service providers – augment with interviews with service providers where appropriate.
- Analysis of results and compilation of report.
Requirements
Pavee Point calls for expressions of interest from researchers interested in undertaking the above tasks. Expressions of interest should include the following:
- Detailed outline how the above tasks would be addressed - in particular the quantitative sampling strategy taking into account a dearth of existing quantitative data available in relation to Roma in Ireland.
- Experience of the researcher in quantitative and qualitative methods – examples of previous work. Previous experience of research with social justice, equality or inclusion themes is desirable.
- Total number of days required to complete tasks and cost per day.
- Availability to start working on the project.
Researchers are free to use the software of their choice in the analysis of data. However, they will need to ensure that:
- The inputting of data is in a format which does not require specialist software or new licensing arrangements for Pavee Point
- Both raw and clean data is submitted to Pavee Point in XL format once tasks are completed.
- Any materials gathered through the research are the joint property of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and the Department of Justice and Equality. Publication and dissemination of the paper will be the responsibility of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and the Department of Justice and Equality.
Criteria for selection
- Clear outline of plan for meeting tasks
- Experience in quantitative research design and analysis - experience of working in similar projects
- Cost
- Availability
It is desirable that the researcher would be availability to start project work in July 2015.
Expressions of interest and further queries should be sent via email siobhan.curran@pavee.ie by COB 29 June 2015. Interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates – this will include a presentation of the research plan. Please use the subject heading “Expression of interest for Roma needs assessment”.