Research project

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This research project

A team from OPM (see below) is carrying out research into the impact of sexual orientation on career management skills and career progression. We want to speak to lesbian, gay and bisexual people about their ideas and experiences.

We are doing this research on behalf of Skills Development Scotland (SDS). SDS is a non-departmental public body which brought together the careers, skills, training and funding services of Careers Scotland, Scottish University for Industry (Learndirect Scotland) and the skills functions of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

Skills Development Scotland works to:

• promote availability of, access to and demand for high quality and innovative learning and skills development for the Scottish population
• advance education and skills development and the promote lifelong learning and skills development for individuals and businesses
• provide information, advice and guidance on career and learning choices to people of all ages
• provide support and funding to individuals for learning and skills development
• promote and deliver equality of access and opportunity .

SDS want to establish themselves as an excellent employer and service provider with regard to equalities. They have asked OPM to do this research so they can understand better the impact of sexual orientation on career management skills and career progression. In this way, they intend to improve their policies and develop their products and services for the Scottish population in ways that support all people to fulfil their potential.

By doing this piece of research we hope to identify any detriments or disadvantages suffered by lesbian, gay and bisexual people, by investigating career progression and barriers that LGB people may face in making their career choice. We also plan to investigate the possible effects on career choice of potential homophobia, harassment and bullying that can occur in some workplaces.

Why we need you

We are currently reviewing existing evidence and speaking to people and organisations from across the LGB communities. These early conversations and our own knowledge of LGB research have helped us determine appropriate research questions. We now want to talk to members of the LGB communities using telephone and face-to-face interviews. We hope to include as wide a range of experiences and identities as possible and will be recruiting participants from across Scotland and advertising our work within LGB groups, career management organisations and online.

The research will be done through telephone or face-to-face interviews. We need you because what you can tell us will provide us with the information we need to answer our research questions and establish whether or not sexual orientation has a different impact between and within different communities. We will use this evidence to make recommendations to SDS and help them improve their services to LGB people.

What will you be asked?

We will be asking you to talk about such topics as:

• whether you think sexual orientation might influence career decision making
• whether sexual orientation affects the success of employment or training
• whether you have experienced, or think, sexual orientation has an impact on progress in your chosen career field
• whether visibility is an issue and whether you think there advantages or disadvantages to being ‘out’ in particular industry sectors
• how careers support and advice could be improved or made more accessible for Scottish LGB people.

About us

OPM is an independent, employee owned organisation that undertakes research to help develop public services. We work with organisations across local and central government, health, social care, children’s services, the police and community safety, education, the media, the voluntary sector and commerce. All the people we work with share a common commitment: a determination to improve the well-being of the communities they serve.

Our values

OPM is made up of enthusiastic members who care about people and public services and work within a strong ethical framework. We take very seriously our responsibilities to those who are part of any research we undertake. We will protect your anonymity and anything you tell us will be reported confidentially. If for any reason you wished to be acknowledged when we report the research we would still ensure we have obtained your explicit permission.

Our team and skills

The team we have put together for this research understand its importance and the sensitivities that surround the topic. We have recently completed a large piece of research for the Government Equalities Office speaking to over 100 LGBT people across the UK. Methodological expertise and specialist knowledge and experience ensure our research is successful. Many team members have a personal, as well as professional, interest in this work and will do all they can to ensure that those who take part know their contributions are appreciated and invaluable to the project.

Project Manager – Rebecca Williams

Rebecca joined OPM in October 2007. Prior to this, she worked for consultancy firms in Leeds – specialising in employment and skills, equality and diversity, and social exclusion – where she was involved in a number of projects focusing on LGBT issues in the workplace and public life.  She has a keen interest in equalities work and has successfully led a variety of research, consultancy, and service delivery projects for clients including the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland, the National Employment Panel, Department of Health, and the Children's Workforce Development Council.  She has considerable experience in qualitative research methodologies including depth interviews and focus group facilitation, large group facilitation, toolkit development, event design and delivery, and qualitative analysis and reporting.  Rebecca has recently moved to Scotland and is currently responsible for the development of OPM's business in the country.

Fieldwork Manager/Researcher – Sarah McDonnell

An experienced practitioner working with OPM for the past two years, Sarah specialises in qualitative research. She is part of the team at OPM driving LGBT and wider equalities and diversity research forward. She will be taking both a project management and an active research role in this study. Her wider work focuses on cohesive communities and social development and she has strong interests in equality and delivering research that strengthens both professional practice and policy development. She has worked for private, public sector and charitable organisations both here and in Australia.

Research Assistant – Robert Pralat

Robert joined OPM in autumn 2009 having graduated in psychology and gender studies. While at university, he conducted research into the impact of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and the Children and Adoption Act 2002 on the attitudes of young gay men towards their future family life; he also examined the cultural and political meanings of same-sex relationships. He now maintains his work around equality and diversity in his research with OPM.

Research Assistant – Kate Allman

Kate has been working at OPM since March 2009, in which time she has gained experience in conducting research using a wide range of methodologies. Prior to joining OPM she studied anthropology and developed interests in civil society, public participation and social capital, particularly in relation to globalisation. She has recently conducted work on equality and diversity for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which involved looking at areas of significant inequality in Scotland.

Project Director – Dr Chih Hoong Sin

Chih Hoong joined OPM in March 2008 from the Disability Rights Commission where he was a departmental head. He leads OPM's evaluation work and has extensive experience of designing, conducting and managing a wide range of research at the local, regional and national levels. Chih Hoong is passionate about all aspects of equality and diversity, and has extensive experience in issues relating to sexual orientation, ‘race’/ethnicity, ageing and disability.