SOUTH LEINSTER CITIZENS INFORMATION SERVICE (SLCIS) / LAOIS AREA, IS
SEEKING TO RECRUIT A RESEARCH ASSISTANT TO ASSIST OUR SERVICE TO
PREPARE AND PRESENT A RESEARCH PROJECT TITLED ?EQUALITY OF ACCESS TO
INFORMATION AND SERVICES ENHANCES PERSONAL POWER - EXPLORING THE
SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE OF PRISONERS IN ACCESSING INFORMATION AND
ASSISTANCE FROM STATE SERVICES?.
INTRODUCTION
The primary function of prison is that of custody and security,
ensuring the protection of the public from individuals deemed to be a
risk to society because of their criminal behaviour (Bolger **Apply on
the website**, Ferszt **Apply on the website**, Johnson & Toch **Apply
on the website**). Johnson (**Apply on the website**) describes the
pains of confinement as loss of liberty, moral rejection by society,
loss of personal belongings, sexual contact and autonomy, loss of
privacy, security and space. Schetky (**Apply on the website**)
includes loss of self-esteem and personhood.
The Citizens Information Service (CIS) has delivered an In-reach
service to the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, for over **Apply on the
website** years. The CIS has observed the difficulties prisoners
encounter when they contact State Services for the information and
assistance they require to deal with personal matters, and how this
leads to social inequality and discrimination, adding to their sense
of isolation and loss of self-efficacy. In assisting them the CIS has
identified a lack of structures within State Services to deal with
issues arising for prisoners.
The CIB/IPS (Citizens Information Board/Irish Prison Service) Working
Group was formed in December **Apply on the website** to explore how
the Citizens Information might expand its service offer to all prisons
in the State. To enhance the work and developments sought by the
Working Group SLCIS proposes to explore the subjective experience of
prisoners in accessing information and assistance from State Services
on matters relating to their personal lives, while they are in prison.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
We will require the Research Assistant;
* To prepare qualitative and quantitative research questions to
elicit information from prisoners on their experiences of accessing
information and assistance from State Services while in prison,
* To analyse data gathered from research participants,
* To write up the results in an appropriate style for research
findings,
* To write up recommendations in relation to improving the prisoners
experience in accessing information.
* To present the report at a Webinar/Conference for stakeholders
NOTE: THE RESEARCH ASSISTANT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE
RESEARCH INTERVIEWS.
The research will be conducted in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, Co.
Laois.
The research, which is being funded under the Irish Human Rights and
Equality Commission Grant Scheme **Apply on the website** will
complement research funded under the Citizens Information Board?s
(CIB) Social Policy Grant Scheme.
PROPOSED RESEARCH
AIM:
The overall aim of the proposed research is to promote equality of
access (1) to State Services and (2) to clear, accurate and
professional information, advice and advocacy services for the prison
population. To achieve this the project will carry out participatory
research on the subjective experience of prisoners as they try to
access information and assistance in relation to matters around their
social and civic rights and entitlements. In doing this the project
will expect to identify barriers to accessing information and
assistance, and gaps in service provision by State Agencies.
KEY OBJECTIVES:
* The identification of barriers that prisoners experience when
trying to access information and assistance from State Services, as
required to deal with personal matters.
* The documentation of the findings.
* The opening of dialogue with prisoners on possible methods to
overcome these perceived barriers.
* Disseminate the findings of the research to relevant stakeholders.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT DUTIES & TIMEFRAME
* Prepare qualitative and quantitative research questions to elicit
information from prisoners on their ?subjective experience in
accessing information and assistance from State Services?. -
SEPTEMBER **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
* Analyse the data from the research interviews - FEB/MARCH **APPLY
ON THE WEBSITE**
* Write up and deliver written report and PowerPoint presentation to
SLCIS - APRIL/MAY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
* Write up recommendations in relation to improving the prisoners
experience in accessing information - APRIL/MAY **APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**
* Present the report at a Webinar/Conference for stakeholders - JUNE
**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
TIMETABLE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BUT MUST BE COMPLETED BY **APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**TH JUNE **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**.
CRITERIA
This is a fixed price contract which will be awarded following a
competitive assessment process.
Quotations should include:
* A demonstrable track record in research /consultation methodology
* A thorough understanding of the aims and objectives of the
research
* Name of person who will be assigned responsibility within the firm
(if relevant)for the fulfillment of the contract
* A brief history of experience relevant to the assignment including
previous relevant projects undertaken
* Most recent Curriculum Vitae
* Tax clearance certificate
* Registered for VAT/ VAT Statement
* 2 references (academic and/or from clients)
TIMEFRAME
The successful applicant must be in a position to begin the work by
1st September **Apply on the website** and the report, including
research analysis and recommendations, must be completed and submitted
to SLCIS by 1ST JUNE **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** and be ready for
presentation at a webinar/conference at the end of June **Apply on the
website**.
MONITORING OF PROJECT
A form of regular progress reporting, to be agreed, will be required.
TERMS OF PAYMENT
Pre-agreed stage payments will be made. Payments will be made within
**Apply on the website** days of receipt of invoice. If at any stage
during the project, the agreed level of service is not adhered to,
payment may be withheld.
THE SELECTION OF RESEARCH ASSISTANT WILL BE BASED ON THE WRITTEN
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED AND A BRIEF INTERVIEW. TOTAL BUDGET AVAILABLE:
?6,**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** (INCLUSIVE OF ALL COSTS)
APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL ONLY, TO SIN?AD TYNAN AT THE
FOLLOWING E-MAIL ADDRESS; **Apply on the website**
THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF TENDERS IS FRIDAY **APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**TH AUGUST, 1PM.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
