This project looks at how different factors influence the running of immigration bail hearings. In particular, it explores how the use of video link technology may change these hearings. It is an independent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and conducted by Jo Hynes, a PhD researcher at the University of Exeter. All research activities are carried out according to the ethical guidelines set by the ESRC and have been approved by the University of Exeter ethics committee.
Immigration bail hearing observations
This research involves observations of immigration bail hearings in seven tribunal centres across the UK and in four immigration courts in the US. During these observations, I aim to be unobtrusive and respectful of the legal process and legal practitioners. Participation is entirely voluntary, but you will not be asked to do anything as part of participating. I simply wish to observe hearings and disrupt their functioning as little as possible. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, I will be conducting these observations remotely.
I will also be interviewing some hearing participants to better understand how they experience hearings.
What information will I be collecting?
I will be collecting data on the functioning of the hearing itself, and not specifically on particular case details. All information will be securely stored and transferred, in line with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and University of Exeter policies. The data will be used to write academic research and reports. If I want to use it for anything else I will get in touch with you first to ask your permission. I will keep the information you give me for ten years because I am required to by the University of Exeter.
The project will run until 2022. A final report will be made available to research participants on request. Preliminary findings may be published before this final report.
What happens if you want to change your mind?
If you decide to participate you can later change your mind and withdraw any information relating to you at any time before the research is published. I will respect your decision. If you would like to withdraw, please contact me via the email below. There is no obligation of any kind to participate, and the University of Exeter, which is hosting the research, will not discriminate against anyone who chooses to withdraw.
Are there any benefits to taking part?
There are no short-term benefits to taking part in this research. However, in the long-term, this project may help to inform improvements in how immigration bail hearings are conducted.
How will you protect my privacy?
All the information I receive from you is strictly confidential. Your contact details will be stored separately from the observation information and all published research will be anonymised.