You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask me if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.

About the project
I am a researcher from the University of Glasgow. I am currently undertaking a multi country study on understandings of professional standards from teachers’ perspectives in five countries. The participating countries are Scotland, Portugal, Russia (phase 1) Canada and Australia (phase 2).  This project relates to the strand of the study which is being carried out in Scotland. The findings from all strands of the research will be presented at conferences and published as academic papers. These will be in the public domain but can also be made available to you on request.

What we are asking of you
If you agree to take part your participation will consist of completion of an online questionnaire. The purpose of this is to gain your views on the purpose and use of professional standards for teaching. Participation in the research is voluntary. If you provide your consent to be involved you will still remain free to withdraw from the project at any time without prejudice. In this event, any information obtained from you will not be used.

Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
Data generated from the study will be stored securely. All information which is collected about you during the course of the research will be dealt with confidentially. You will be identified by an ID number and any information about you will have your name and address removed so that you cannot be recognised from it. Please note that assurances on confidentiality will be strictly adhered to unless evidence of wrongdoing or potential harm is uncovered. In such cases the University may be obliged to contact relevant statutory bodies/agencies.

All data collected from the project will be securely stored at the University of Glasgow and will be destroyed after 10 years, according to university policy.

This project has been approved by the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Science Research Ethics Committee.
If you have any concerns with this project, please contact the College of Social Sciences Ethics Officer, Dr Muir Houston, email: Muir.Houston@glasgow.ac.uk and quote project number: 400160030

Thank you for considering this request.

Dr Margery McMahon
Margery.McMahon@glasgow.ac.uk