Student funding in further education

Annex F: Participant Information Sheet

1. General information

This project involves research with Further Education students in Scotland about the financial support available to them. It is being carried out by SQW (a research organisation) on behalf of Scottish Government.

2. Invitation to take part

You are being invited to take part in a focus group for this project. This sheet provides information to help you decide whether you would like to take part. If you would like any more information about the research, please contact Susan Mackay (contact details below) or speak to one of the facilitators on the day of the focus group. They will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

3. What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to get feedback from Further Education students on the financial support available to them. This will be used to inform future decisions taken by Scottish Government about the financial support available to all students in Scotland.

4. Why have I been chosen?

You have been chosen as you meet the inclusion criteria for the study, which is people from a broad range of backgrounds who have experience of Further Education courses at Scottish colleges.

5. Do I have to take part?

No, participation is strictly voluntary, and you can leave the research at any point without giving a reason (even if this is after the focus group).

6. What will happen to me if I take part?

If you agree to participate you will take part in a focus group held on one of your College campuses.

7. Will the information I provide be kept confidential?

Yes, your name will not be used in this research.

8. What will happen to the results of the research study?

They will be reported back to the Scottish Government, who will use it to inform future decisions about the financial support available to Further Education students.

9. Contact for Further Information

If you have any issues, or would like to talk to someone, about this project then please contact Susan Mackay on smackay@sqw.co.uk or Alison Kay on akay@sqw.co.uk.