RCM – Research FAQs
Research by Design research FAQs for the Royal College of Midwives
Why is the Royal College of Midwives undertaking this research?
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is seeking views from members to help inform development of its new strategy, launching in 2025. Contributions are invited from members in order to help the RCM understand more about members’ challenges and aspirations, and the support required across the wide and diverse membership. The survey results will be invaluable, prioritising member voices in informing our new strategy and our future work to support both members and the profession.
What assurances do I have that Research by Design is a bona fide market research company?
Research by Design is an independent market research company that has been commissioned by the RCM to undertake research on its behalf. Research by Design operates under the Market Research Society’s (MRS) Code of Conduct, which ensures that research participants’ anonymity is protected, and that information provided is kept strictly confidential. Research by Design is part of the Box Delta Group.
Research by Design’s website is: https://researchbydesign.com/
What about data protection?
Research by Design is registered as a Data Controller to undertake research in any field, including market, health, lifestyle, scientific or technical research, under the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 as applicable; registration number Z5405593.
Research by Design is committed to meeting the requirements of the following laws and codes:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- ICC/ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) International Code on Market and Social Research
You can review Research by Design’s privacy policy here: Privacy Policy.
What type of research has been commissioned?
An online survey will be distributed to members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) who have shown legitimate interest in research and for whom a valid email address is held.
Is the online survey secure?
Respondent data is encrypted in transit (via HTTPS) and is stored encrypted in EU data centres.
How will I be invited to participate in the online survey?
Research by Design sends email invitations to participate in the survey on behalf of its clients. The email ‘from’ address in this instance will likely say ‘The Royal College Midwives’ followed by our software server email address ([email protected]).
Reminder emails are sent at intervals throughout the fieldwork period to help encourage participation. Reminder emails are automated and the RCM will not know who has participated in the research and who has chosen not to. An opt out will be included for those who wish not to receive any reminders.
Is my anonymity assured?
The survey is anonymous. Your responses will be submitted directly to Research by Design and survey results will only be shared with the College in aggregate form.
What if I am a member and have not received a link to take the survey?
If you have not received a link to participate in the survey, please contact [email protected] to request a link.
How long might the online survey take?
The survey is likely to take around 10-12 minutes to complete, but this does depend on the answers you provide and the number of comments you wish to make.
Can I re-enter the online survey to make amendments or continue where I left off?
If the survey has not been submitted (by pressing ‘submit’ on the final page) you can log back into the survey using the link on the emails to continue where you left off at any time. Each time you move to a new page of the survey your responses are saved.
Once you have submitted the survey, amendments are not possible; if you wished to make revisions once you have pressed ‘submit’, you would have to contact Research by Design ([email protected]) to discuss the options available.
How do I return my survey to Research by Design?
Once you have reached the final page of the survey you will be provided with a submit button at the bottom of the page. Your responses will be sent automatically to Research by Design. If you do not complete the survey, then your saved answers may still be used in the analysis as a partial response.
How will my responses be used?
All responses from the online survey will be aggregated and reported together. Free text insights will be reported thematically. All responses will remain anonymous and confidential. Specific comments will not be attributed to any individual (unless agreed otherwise).
For those that wish to speak to the Royal College of Midwives about the research, please contact [email protected] citing “Member Survey” in the subject line, or call RCM Connect on 0300 303 0444.
To speak to Research by Design about the research, please contact Georgina Christie ([email protected]) or call 0121 643 9090.
