You are being invited to share your opinions as part of course development research at Coventry University led by Assistant Professor Andrew Noakes. Before you decide to take part, it is important you understand why research on the topic/issue is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully.

What is the purpose of the research?

The purpose of the research is to determine the opinions of automotive journalism practitioners on the importance of a range of skills and subject areas for people entering automotive journalism today.

Why have I been chosen to take part?

You are invited to participate in this story/interview because you work in automotive media and/or we believe you have an informed view of the relevant skills and subjects.

What are the benefits of taking part?

By sharing information or experiences with us, you will be helping Coventry University to ensure the Automotive Journalism Masters course produces graduates with appropriate skills and making a contribution to raising standards across automotive media.

Are there any risks associated with taking part?

We believe there are no significant risks associated with your participation.

Do I have to take part?

No – it is entirely up to you. If you do decide to take part, please keep a link to this information and complete the survey form. You are free to withdraw your information from the project data set at any time until the data are destroyed or are fully anonymised in our records or used by 1 September 2023. To withdraw, please contact the lead researcher (contact details are provided below). You do not need to give a reason. A decision to withdraw, or not to take part, will not affect you in any way.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Your data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All electronic data will be stored on a password-protected computer file on the Coventry University One Drive cloud storage.  The lead researcher will take responsibility for data destruction and all collected data whose journalistic use is not warranted, or that you expressly object to being used, will be destroyed on or before 1 September 2023.  

International Data Transfers

Your data for journalistic purposes may be stored and processed on the Internet for access worldwide. Please note countries outside of the European Economic Area may not offer the same level of data privacy protection as in the UK. 

Data Protection Rights

Coventry University is a Data Controller for the information you provide.  You have the right to access information held about you. Your right of access can be exercised in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. You also have other rights including rights of correction, erasure, objection, and data portability.  For more details, including the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office, please visit www.ico.org.uk. Questions, comments and requests about your personal data can also be sent to the University Data Protection Officer - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What will happen with the results of this research?

The results of this research will be used internally within Coventry University to inform future course design. Summaries of aggregated responses may be made public, but such summaries will no identify any individual respondent.

Making a Complaint

If you are unhappy with any aspect of this research, please contact the lead researcher:

Andrew Noakes

Assistant Professor

Coventry University

Priory Street

Coventry CV1 5FB

In your letter please provide the name of the survey, and detail the nature of your complaint.