Summary of Research

The research will examine social workers’ perspectives on their organisations’ referral process, the focus of the study will be on the timeframes between referral and engagement. The author will look at referral systems that are rooted in Westernised organisational practices and the bias that influences engagement before any kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face to face) contact occurs. A qualitative Māori centred study, where one on one interviews will be conducted in person or via zoom. The findings will identify opportunities to strengthen engagement and reduce cultural harm by highlighting how unintended bias may be embedded in deficit-based formalised service pathways.

Kia ora

Ko Cindy Paranihi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Waiarapa ahau. I am currently undertaking a small research project as part of my Master of Applied Social Work programme in the School of Social Work, Massey University. The aim of the research is to explore social workers perspectives of their organisation’s referral process and to examine how the referral processes affect whānau engagement.

The purpose of this letter is to invite you to be part of my research project.

What is this research about?
This research explores how organisational referral processes shape social work practice and influence whānau engagement, with a particular focus on Whānau Māori.

Why am I being asked to take part?
As part of the Master of Applied Social Work qualification, I am required to carry out a research project. I would appreciate your input into the research topic.

I am inviting you to participate in my research if you meet the following criteria:

• A qualified and currently practising social worker.
• Have experience with organisational referral processes.
• Have experience engaging with whānau, including whānau Māori
• Be willing to participate in a semi-structured interview (kanohi ki te kanohi or via Zoom).
• Social workers from both urban and rural setting may participate.

What will I be asked to do?
It is anticipated that the interview will take approximately 60 minutes and will be recorded. The precise timing of the interview and the location will be negotiated with you. The interview will be short, simple, and semi-structured and no discomfort to participants is anticipated. You may request to see the interview schedule prior to the interview if you wish.

If you agree to take part in my research project, can you please complete the attached consent form and return it to me cparanihi816@gmail.com before the interview.

If you have any concerns about the process of gathering the interview data, you can contact my supervisor. Contact details are provided at the end of this information sheet.

What will happen to the data?
The interview data will be used for answering my research aim, as described above. If any transcription is needed, I will do this myself, so that the data remains confidential. Data and the consent forms will be safely stored on my password protected computer while the project is being completed and will be destroyed once my research report has been examined.

No names or other identifying details of individuals or organisations will be used in the report or publications. Findings may also be used in publications arising from the research.

What rights do I have?
You are under no obligation to accept this invitation. If you decide to participate, you have the right to:

• Decline to answer any questions.
• Withdraw from the study up until data is analysed.
• Ask any questions about the study at any time during participation.
• Provide information on the understanding that your name will not be used.
• Be given access to a summary of the project findings when it is concluded.
• Ask for the recorder to be turned off at any time during the interview.

Please do not hesitate to contact either me or my supervisor at any time if you have any questions about the project. Contact details are as follows:

Researcher    
Cindy Paranihi
cparanihi816@gmail.com   

Supervisor
Dr Ange Watson
A.M.Watson@massey.ac.nz 

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, Application OM3 25/75. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact the Chairperson, Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, email humanethics3@massey.ac.nz 

Thank you for considering this request. 
Yours sincerely,
Cindy Paranihi
Student ID: 24009102