1. Dear Respondent
Equality in Publishing (Equip) Survey
We would like to invite you to take part in a survey. Before you decide whether you would like
to take part it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it
would involve for you. 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.
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of the study is to better understand the challenges facing HR professionals in
regards to equality and diversity; to gain perspective on how changes to the industry as a
whole are affecting recruitment; and also to inform future development for the Equip
organisation.
Who is managing the research?
The researcher for this project is Bobby Nayyar, Research Fellow at City University London.
He will be supervised by Mary Ann Kernan, Programme Director for the MA in Publishing
Studies. They will be assisted by Dr Alec Knight of the Work Psychology Group. Bobby
Nayyar can be contacted on 020 7040 3335 or bobby.nayyar.1@city.ac.uk.
Why have I been invited?
You are being invited to take part as someone who works in a publishing house, and/or is a
member of the Equip organisation.
Do I have to take part?
Participation in this project is voluntary, and as a participant you have the right to withdraw at
any stage. All data collected is done so anonymously.
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part you are still free
to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.
What do I have to do?
You are invited to fill in an online survey, which should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Expenses and Payments (if applicable)
No expenses, financial or other rewards are offered associated with this study.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
• Possible professional risks:
o This study could touch on areas of professional competence for you/your
organisation. This risk will be managed by confirming anonymity of
respondents and aggregating collected data.
• Confidentiality:
o Some participants may wish to share insights, which they do not wish to be
repeated to others. The researcher will respect any such request; remind you
that all data is collected anonymously, and remind you of your right to
withdraw at any time.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?

2. The research interviews will be the first part of a process to guide the future development of
the organisation and to conduct wider, survey research with our members. It is a unique
opportunity to have a say on matters of recruitment, equality and diversity, to research that
will be of benefit to those working in the industry, trade bodies, and arts organisations.
What will happen when the research study stops?
Your consent is sought to store information gathered towards this study for a period of up to
seven years. If the project is stopped or formally abandoned before that period, information
and data will be destroyed. Data and any information that could identify you personally will be
stored in separate, locked filing cabinets. Access to all computer files will be available by
password only. Hard copy storage will be at City University London.
Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?
The information gathered as part of this study will be accessed in detail by the researcher,
with occasional reference by his supervisor. Under the terms of this consent, media collected
(including for example audio and video, photographs, and course materials) will be used for
only for data analysis purposes. No personal or identifying information will be used without
your further, specific consent. Please note that material in digital formats will be archived and
held in more than one location. Please note also that any information that the researcher is
under an obligation to report any information you share that infringes UK law. Records
relating to the management of this study will be lodged with City University London, including
details of the destruction of records and data.
What will happen to results of the research study?
The primary outcome of this study will be at least one submission for a research journal,
within the terms of this consent; presentation at a conference for HR professionals and
academics; and other Equip project publications consistent with its funding from Arts Council
England 2012/13. The information will also be used to help guide future development of Equip
for successive years, and will act as reference material to develop a survey to go to Equip’s
members.
What if there is a problem?
If you would like to complain about any aspect of the study, City University London has
established a complaints procedure via the Secretary to the University’s Senate Research
Ethics Committee. To complain about the study, you need to phone 020 7040 3040. You can
then ask to speak to the Secretary to Senate Research Ethics Committee and inform them
that the name of the project is: Interviews with HR professionals working in the publishing
industry to explore equality and diversity issues in publishing, as part of the Equality in
Publishing project.
You could also write to the Secretary at:
Anna Ramberg
Secretary to Senate Research Ethics Committee
Research Office, E214
City University London
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB
Email: Anna.Ramberg.1@city.ac.uk
Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been approved by City University London School of Arts and Social Sciences
Research Ethics Committee.
Further information and contact details
Any queries you may be have are welcomed by the researcher, Bobby Nayyar on
bobby.nayyar.1@city.ac.uk or +44 20 7040 3335
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet.