INFORMATION SHEET FOR INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS
REC Reference Number:[INSERT ONCE PROVIDED BY REVIEW BODY]
YOU WILL BE GIVEN A COPY OF THIS INFORMATION SHEET
British Badger Culling – History and Perspectives
We would like to invite you to participate in this undergraduate research project. You should only
participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in any way. Before
you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is
being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following
information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not
clear or if you would like more information.
This study aims to form a balanced assessment of the historical, social and geographical context
of Britain’s relationship with Badgers whether they are considered pests, bio-hazards or
endangered wild-life and a respected indigenous species. A series of interviews and
questionnaires will attempt to gauge the variety of public opinion in both newly instated ‘pilot cull’
areas of west Gloucestershire and west Somerset as well as interviews with some influential
members of organisations with both pro and anti-cull perspectives.
This is a self-funded, undergraduate project conducted as part of a dissertation project at Kings
College London.
For the purposes of this interview, I intend to recruit both local people, visitors to both ‘pilot cull’
areas and protestors as well as ‘expert’ participants from organisations that have a specialist
perspective on aspects of the Badger Cull debate. All participants will be above the age of 18,
there is no upper age limit. You will be invited to a short interview, in a public place of your
convenience, and asked open questions regarding your opinion of and involvement with the British
badger cull. All interviewees have the option of remaining fully anonymous (where your statements
will inform the project but you will not be referred to) partial anonymity (where you will be referred
to by your job title or position e.g. Somerset farmer, Badger Trust employee) or potentially named
within the research (i.e. John Smith, DEFRA spokesman).
The risks involved in taking part are minimal and mitigated by the choice of anonymity available. It
has been reported that some individuals have experienced harassment as a result of their
involvement, on either side, with the Badger Cull debate, any potential or reported incidents of this
kind will be taken very seriously by the researcher and referred to the Police.
If you choose to take part in this research, you may benefit from airing your views and submitting
them to a study dedicated to representing both sides of the issue. You may also wish to receive a
copy of the final report, if so please indicate that you would like a copy on your consent form.
It is up to you to decide whether to take part or not. If you decide to take part you are still free to
withdraw from the study at any time and without giving a reason.
If you have any questions or require more information about this study, please contact the
researcher using the following contact details: ******* *********, ****.****@kcl.ac.uk
If this study has harmed you in any way, you can contact King's College London using the details
below for further advice and information: ******* *********, ****.****@kcl.ac.uk
King’s College London - Research Ethics
2012/2013/1
1
CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH STUDIES
Please complete this form after you have read the Information
Sheet and/or listened to an explanation about the research.
Title of Study: British Badger Culling – History and Perspectives
King’s College Research Ethics Committee Ref:TBC
Thank you for considering taking part in this research. The person organising the research
must explain the project to you before you agree to take part. If you have any questions
arising from the Information Sheet or explanation already given to you, please ask the
researcher before you decide whether to join in. You will be given a copy of this Consent
Form to keep and refer to at any time.
Please tick
or initial

I understand that if I decide at any time during the research that I no longer wish to
participate in this project, I can notify the researchers involved and withdraw from it
immediately without giving any reason. Furthermore, I understand that I will be able
to withdraw my data up to the point of publication.

The information you have submitted will be published as a report; please indicate
whether you would like to receive a copy.

I consent to the processing of my personal information for the purposes explained to
me. I understand that such information will be handled in accordance with the terms
of the UK Data Protection Act 1998.

I understand the anonymity options available and
request (please indicate):
FULL
Yes No
PARTIAL TO BE
NAMED
Participant’s Statement:
I _____________________________________________________________________
agree that the research project named above has been explained to me to my satisfaction
and I agree to take part in the study. I have read both the notes written above and the
Information Sheet about the project, and understand what the research study involves.
Signed
King’s College London - Research Ethics
2012/2013/1
Date
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