Wanted young researchers – the employment of young people as researchers Jennie Fleming With Harrison Carter, Iman Delanius, Susie Dobson Centre for Social Action

What do the Associate Research Assistants (ARA) do?

Impact of being a young person on the research process Perspective Own knowledge of being young Challenge stereo types Fresh eyes Imagination and creativity Flexibility Move away from dominance of adults

Knowledge and skills of ARA Analysis skills Experience of using range of qualitative methods Planning and Organisation Working with different groups of people Awareness of university research etiquette Got NOCN qualification

Connection with Centre for Social Action and De Montfort University Colleagues Supportive environment Employees – Job title, staff ID Paid

Why did we do this? Social action in practice Commitment to service user involvement in research Young people as insiders, not outsiders Systemic change within the university

Social action principles People should have a voice and a stake Commitment to social justice Challenge negative labels and perceptions Support people to investigate own problems and issues Facilitate not lead Based own people’s own knowledge and insight

How did we do it? Involves many aspects of the university Approval of posts Recruitment of ARA ◦ Involvement of young people Support of the posts

Where are we now? Much works well from ARA perspective as employees Working with other members of staff Development and sharing of skills Smoothing processes along What is in control of Centre for Social Action and what is in control the university ?

What is still to be done? Systems - development fund Staff - further embedding as colleagues Structures – sustainability Strategy – built in Skills - ARA’s own research Shared values - perceptions of young people’s research Style and culture

Disadvantages of the model Does it preclude most marginal young people? Do we train out the young people-ness? Restrict funding available to young people? How involved in setting the research agenda are young people?