A new and exciting international research programme was launched in 2022 by an international Task Force comprising the Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures at the University of Strathclyde, UNICEF, Child Identity Protection (CHIP) and SOS Children’s Villages Denmark. A group of leading experts from around the world also forms the project’s International Advisory Group and includes such esteemed members as Dr Ann Skelton and Dr Nigel Cantwell. The Advisory Group has provided valuable input into the conceptualization of the project and further details can be found here.
The Task Force is now forming a Research Advisory Group (RAG) and seeking the participation of a small group of expert academic researchers from around the world to support the further development of the research project: ‘Fulfilling the human rights and well-being of children and young people in care: indicators for improving outcomes.’ If you would be interested in being part of this innovative research, please read further.
Goals of the Research Project
Around the world children living in alternative care are being denied their human rights. The aim of the research, therefore, is the collation of evidence that will help inform positive change in the fulfilment of human rights and optimal well-being outcomes of children in family-based and small community-based residential alternative care settings across different regions and countries of the world. To this end, the principal goal of the research project is:
To provide governments, and other national and international stakeholders, with contextually applicable evidence that will motivate positive change so that the human rights of children in alternative care are met and each child is provided the protection and opportunities necessary to achieve the best possible life outcomes.
The Research Advisory Group
We are currently developing an international research proposal that will include a research framework comprising participatory methodology and research questions. To help achieve this goal, we are seeking members to join our RAG from geographically diverse locations with expertise in quantitative and qualitative well-being outcome measurements related to child development and human rights, as well as participatory research methods with children and young people.
Roles and responsibilities of Research Advisory Group members
The RAG will be:
- Supporting the research project in the formulation of a research framework that includes exploration of research questions, indicators, and methodology relevant to the measurement of human rights and child development and well-being indicators.
- Supporting the co-design and implementation of participatory workshops with care-experienced children and young people focusing on the development of indicators relating to well-being outcomes.
- Providing guidance to ensure the research is conducted in a manner that is inclusive and respectful of diversity, including recommendations on how to recruit diverse participants and analyse data in a culturally sensitive way.
- Identifying potential ethical issues and providing guidance on how to address them.
Participation in the RAG would include involvement in the following:
- A series of four or five online meetings /sub-meetings and at least one inperson meeting to explore and develop appropriate research indicators and methodology.
- Attendance of a sub-group of researchers at an in-person participatory workshop with care-experienced young people during which the research questions and methodology will be further explored and co-designed.
- Collation and sharing of literature on relevant topics including child development wellbeing measurements and participatory research methodology.
It is anticipated that the above activities will take place over a period of approximately 12-18 months.
Qualification and Skills
We would be excited to invite participation in the RAG from researchers across the globe with the following experience and skills:
- An excellent and sustained track record of 10 years of research and publications in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals in one of the following research topics: child development and wellbeing indicators, human rights, participatory research methods and the application of these within policy.
- Evidence of excellence in applying rigorous academic research approached and ethical standards applied to previous work.
- An understanding of human rights including child rights.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
- Ability to transfer complex concepts and ideas into practical application.
- Sensitivity to different socio-cultural contexts.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
As a member of the RAG there will be opportunities to co-author papers. Members will be working with other international experts in the field. Profiles will be posted on the project website.
Remuneration
In the first instance, we are seeking interest that would be voluntary. However, funding is being sought for the RAG activities that would include fees for members. Applications If you are interested in contributing to this Research Advisory Group and would like to know more about the project, please visit our project webpage.
If you would like to apply to join the Research Advisory Group, please send a copy of your curriculum vitae and a one page covering letter that reflects how your experience matches the qualifications and skills listed above.
Please send your application to iicf-rights-in-care@strath.ac.uk with subject line ‘Research Advisory Group Member Application.’
For information on what personal information we will collect and what we will do with this please see our privacy statement and the University’s Data Protection Privacy Notice for Job Applicants and Potential Job Applicants.
After we have reviewed all applications, we may contact you for a possible exploratory conversation before final decisions are made.
Closing date for applications: 24:00 (midnight) BST Monday 3rd June 2024.
