The iMSc Cosmetic Science has received >90% on all NSS/CSS total satisfaction scores for at least 5 years running. However, there has always been a marked difference between scores on and all other categories, and scores on Q26/27, with scores on this question always being lowered than the rest. As this does not affect the overall score, it has never been properly investigated. Question 27 of the CSS asks ‘how well communicated was information about your university/college’s mental wellbeing support services?’
This project aimed to identify where the root problem lies, and create actionable steps to improve this course’s students’ wellbeing and their overall university experience.
My primary concern throughout the development of this project has always been the safeguarding of the student participants. The nature of my research project, as initially conceived, relied on students sharing their opinions and experiences around the ‘mental health and wellbeing’ Services provided by the University, the communication of these Services and their attempts to access them. Throughout my research project, ‘Services’ will refer to UAL’s Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy services.
During the development of the survey as a tool to investigate these questions, it became apparent to me that there was a risk around disclosure of certain personal information from the participants, that raised several questions around ethics and safeguarding.
Firstly, as the survey would have been anonymous, I would not have been able to offer any support to the participants, in the case of disclosure of mental health issues, including cases of serious harm to self or others. This would leave the participant vulnerable, and would raise questions about duty of care.
Similarly, I initially wanted to investigate students’ experiences after accessing the Services. However, I am not currently in a position to influence or change the service provided by the several Services hence the research project could inform any actual actionable steps. After discussions with my tutor, I decided to focus on the awareness of students around the availability of the Services, and the perceived effectiveness of communication/information efforts regarding the Services.
V1 of the questionnaire reflects my initial attempt to design this survey, while the final Questionnaire shows the evolution of the design to focus on the issues and information I would need to gain further insights to implement actions in my current role.