Paving the way for more inclusive research: Better practice research with disabled people and people with long-term conditions

Ofcom and the Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) commissioned Magenta to undertake research to explore better practice when conducting and reporting on research with disabled people and people with long-term conditions. There were three stages to the research study: a literature review; 40 interviews with stakeholders across a range of sectors; and a workshop with 21 stakeholders from the interviews. This summary covers the key findings from the research across each stage of the research process. It also outlines recommendations based on the stakeholder insight and the practicalities and limitations of conducting social and market research studies.

The recommendations are grounded within the key themes that have emerged from the research; using these themes to guide research from design to delivery will support an approach inclusive of disabled people and people with long-term conditions:

▪ Positive intent: How are you thinking about the research and the participants? What are your intentions behind the research? Have these been communicated clearly to everyone involved in the research (researchers and participants)?
▪ Rationale: Have you considered and provided a reason for the choices you have made?
▪ Transparency: Have you been open and honest in your reporting about the decisions you have made and any limitations?