You are invited to participate in a research project entitled
Rise: An exploration of risk, inclusion and psychological safety in mountain guiding and avalanche professions worldwide.
You are invited to participate as someone working in a professional capacity as a mountain guide or avalanche professional, in a country that is a member country of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). This research is being conducted by a researcher from the University of Wollongong.
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH
The aim of this project is to explore the lived experiences of mountain guides and avalanche workers in relation to their felt sense, and intersubjective experiences of, inclusion, psychological safety, and participation in risk management in the context of mountainous, alpine place-based geographies. This project is seeking to engage members of the profession whose intersecting identities are LGBTQ2SIA+; racialized individuals (non-White); and/or workplace trauma survivors (avalanche and mountain accidents). The purpose is:
To inquire into the lived experiences of members of the profession who are other than the traditional White male members of the dominant group, to create visibility to their agency and diverse experiences of risk, inclusion, and psychological safety;
To inquire into risk taking, risk management, and leadership practices amongst members of the non-dominant group;
To provide evidence-based recommendations for culture change within the global profession in service of further inclusion, psychological safety, and effective risk management.
Participants will be required to complete a 1.5 hour interview, and spend 30-45 minutes of creative time over an 8-12 month period. Participants must also be able to communicate their experiences effectively in English.
RESEARCHERS
Rachel Reimer, PhD Candidate (Lead investigator and interviewer)
Email: rdr332@uowmail.edu.au or r.d.reimer@gmail.com
Ph: +001 250 814 3399
Dr. Andrew Warren, PhD Supervisor
Email: awarren@uow.edu.au
Ph: +61 422 312 680
RISE: An exploration of risk, inclusion and psychological safety in mountain guiding and avalanche professions worldwide
I have been provided with a Participant Information Sheet outlining the purposes, requirements, and risks of the research, and I have discussed the research project with a member of the research team. I have been advised of what is involved in participating in this project and I have had an opportunity to ask a member of the research team any questions I may have had about the study and my involvement in it.
I understand that my participation is voluntary, and I am free to discontinue at any time, and withdraw from the study as outlined in the Participant Information Sheet. I understand that if I decide not to participate, to discontinue participation, or to withdraw my consent, this will not affect my relationship with the University of Wollongong, or with the lead researcher, Rachel Reimer. I understand that the data (transcribed interviews and digital storytelling) collected from my participation may be used in journal publications, community workshops, professional industry conferences, and other research outputs.
If I have any further enquiries about the research, I can contact any of the researchers listed below:
Rachel Reimer (lead investigator): rdr332@uowmail.edu.au OR r.d.reimer@gmail.com OR +001 250 814 3399.
Dr Andrew T Warren (PhD supervisor): awarren@uow.edu.au
Or, if I have any concerns or complaints regarding the way the research is or has been conducted, I can contact the University of Wollongong Ethics & Integrity Manager on (02) 4221 4457 or email rso-ethics@uow.edu.au.
By signing below, I am indicating my consent to participate in the research, and my understanding of the following (please tick):