Interviews and Discussions
Interviews and discussions form the basis of much of my work, since this is one of the main ways of finding out about people's experiences, their views - and their ideas.
'Interview' can feel like a very formal word: my style is about having a chat with someone, with a few starting questions, ideas, or issues, to explore together.
Sometimes, interviews take place in someone's home - perhaps in their house or flat, in a care or nursing home, or in extra care or sheltered housing - and just involve me and the person taking part. Or interviews might be in a quiet room at a place someone is at that day - maybe a day centre, or a hospital, or it could be a cafe (although that's usually a bit too noisy, and not private).
Other times, there might be group discussions involving a range of people in different venues - perhaps including professionals (people who are paid to do something), as well as 'the general public' (you and me!).
Interviews might also be carried out over the phone, rather than in person - this can be useful if the person can't be visited for some reason, or if they are very busy and a telephone call would work better for them. Some people take part by answering questions in an email or via an online survey; or using something like Zoom.
Here's a list of some interviews I've carried out with people, and some of group discussions I've led (or, facilitated):
Other examples:
I've also been a case study - or rather, after she'd died, I shared one of the things that happened for my mum in terms of the services she received when she was ill with cancer. I understand something of what it's like to be on the other end of the experience.
How can I help you?
Interviewing involves making sure those taking part feel at ease, understand the sorts of questions that might come up, how long it might all take - and what will happen to the information once it has been shared.
A major part of my role when interviewing or leading discussions is to listen very carefully to what is being said, to make sure that the views, experiences, or issues that people share are properly explored at the time, and accurately represented afterwards.
Discussions in a group tend to be recorded on a flip chart, or a whiteboard, and typed up as a Word document for the client. An audio recording is often also made.
Notes can be taken of individual interviews (and shared), or interviews can be recorded digitally and the full recording shared with the organisation's transcribers. Interviews are only recorded when people give their written permission, in advance. (You can see an example of the sort of form used, here.)
With prior permission, I can also share photographs of interviewees, and/or their surroundings - making sure people's private information (such as full names and addresses) cannot be gained in any way from the images. Examples of photos I've taken and shared, with permission, are in the gallery below.
If interviews are recorded and/or photographs taken, subjects choose the name by which they would prefer publicly be known. I've also been collecting, recording, and sharing people's stories through photofilms.
A 'pen picture' of interviewees and group members can be provided.
The major themes (as well as the more unusual issues) can also be identified and highlighted, and a commentary provided - for example, placing comments in the context of current policy developments.
If you'd like to ask me about doing some interviewing for your organisation, or running (facilitating) a workshop or group discussion, please get in touch.
If you're interested in knowing anything more about arranging or carrying out interviews, please get in touch.
'Interview' can feel like a very formal word: my style is about having a chat with someone, with a few starting questions, ideas, or issues, to explore together.
Sometimes, interviews take place in someone's home - perhaps in their house or flat, in a care or nursing home, or in extra care or sheltered housing - and just involve me and the person taking part. Or interviews might be in a quiet room at a place someone is at that day - maybe a day centre, or a hospital, or it could be a cafe (although that's usually a bit too noisy, and not private).
Other times, there might be group discussions involving a range of people in different venues - perhaps including professionals (people who are paid to do something), as well as 'the general public' (you and me!).
Interviews might also be carried out over the phone, rather than in person - this can be useful if the person can't be visited for some reason, or if they are very busy and a telephone call would work better for them. Some people take part by answering questions in an email or via an online survey; or using something like Zoom.
Here's a list of some interviews I've carried out with people, and some of group discussions I've led (or, facilitated):
- Recording the stories of people living at home who are happy with the home care and support they receive (and taking and sharing their photos, always with permission - see below)
- Interviews with people in Sussex who'd had (or were having) treatment for cancer, about the financial impact of cancer on their lives
- Discussions with Local Area Coordinator (LAC) staff in Thurrock and Suffolk, about finding out about and sharing the stories about the people with whom they work
- Group discussions, in Newcastle and Derby, about being a customer in later life - in shops, from communication and utilities companies, and using leisure facilities
- Discussions with older people in Dorset - about cars, driving, and being a driver in older age
- Interviews with care staff, commissioners, professional bodies, and policy staff, about home care services
- Separate discussions (over many years and several different projects) with older people living in care and nursing homes, their families, and the staff working with them, about:
- keeping connected with their local community and amenities
- their views on long term care and what it should look like
- the 'personal expenses allowance' state-funded residents are left with, from their weekly income, to cover non-care costs (such as toiletries, magazines, sweets, clothes, alcohol).
Other examples:
- in 2016, I discussed the idea of sharing your home with someone - via HomeShare - with older people in the north east of England
- in 2015, I asked people in their 50s and older with direct experience of mental ill health, about what sorts of support they would hope to see charities develop
- in 2014, I ran a number of discussions with people who were retired from paid work about how they might continue to pursue their wishes and goals during any future periods of ill health or disability.
I've also been a case study - or rather, after she'd died, I shared one of the things that happened for my mum in terms of the services she received when she was ill with cancer. I understand something of what it's like to be on the other end of the experience.
How can I help you?
Interviewing involves making sure those taking part feel at ease, understand the sorts of questions that might come up, how long it might all take - and what will happen to the information once it has been shared.
A major part of my role when interviewing or leading discussions is to listen very carefully to what is being said, to make sure that the views, experiences, or issues that people share are properly explored at the time, and accurately represented afterwards.
Discussions in a group tend to be recorded on a flip chart, or a whiteboard, and typed up as a Word document for the client. An audio recording is often also made.
Notes can be taken of individual interviews (and shared), or interviews can be recorded digitally and the full recording shared with the organisation's transcribers. Interviews are only recorded when people give their written permission, in advance. (You can see an example of the sort of form used, here.)
With prior permission, I can also share photographs of interviewees, and/or their surroundings - making sure people's private information (such as full names and addresses) cannot be gained in any way from the images. Examples of photos I've taken and shared, with permission, are in the gallery below.
If interviews are recorded and/or photographs taken, subjects choose the name by which they would prefer publicly be known. I've also been collecting, recording, and sharing people's stories through photofilms.
A 'pen picture' of interviewees and group members can be provided.
The major themes (as well as the more unusual issues) can also be identified and highlighted, and a commentary provided - for example, placing comments in the context of current policy developments.
If you'd like to ask me about doing some interviewing for your organisation, or running (facilitating) a workshop or group discussion, please get in touch.
If you're interested in knowing anything more about arranging or carrying out interviews, please get in touch.
