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Education
Child Development
Parenting
Neurodiversity
Research
Jargon Free
Inclusivity
SEND
Community
Research Mentoring & Support
Expert research support, without the need for an in-house senior research team.
Not every organisation undertaking research has access to experienced research supervision or senior methodological expertise.
Charities, CICs, education providers and smaller organisations are increasingly undertaking their own research, evaluation and impact work. While they may have a dedicated researcher or project lead, that individual may be working without the support of a more experienced researcher to discuss ideas, explore methodological decisions or navigate challenges.
RECAP Research Mentoring is designed to help bridge that gap.
We provide independent, experienced research guidance to in-house researchers, early-career researchers and small research teams.
Working as a critical friend, sounding board and research mentor, we offer a supportive but constructively challenging space in which researchers can develop their thinking, strengthen their research practice and build confidence in their decisions.
Our aim is not to take over your research. It is to help you feel more confident and capable in undertaking it.
How can research mentoring help?
Research rarely follows a completely straightforward path.
Questions evolve, methodological decisions become more complex and unexpected challenges arise. Having someone experienced to discuss these issues with can make a significant difference.
Research mentoring provides an opportunity to step away from the immediate demands of a project, reflect on progress, explore alternative approaches and consider the next steps.
Support can include:
Research planning and design
Developing research questions, refining project aims and considering appropriate approaches.
Methodology and methods
Exploring methodological decisions and the practical application of research methods.
Data collection
Discussing interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, workshops and other research activities.
Recruitment and sampling
Considering participant recruitment, sampling strategies and inclusion.
Ethics and research integrity
Reflecting on ethical considerations, research responsibilities and good practice.
Data analysis and interpretation
Exploring approaches to analysis, emerging patterns and the interpretation of findings.
Critical reflection
Challenging assumptions, exploring alternative interpretations and strengthening reflexive research practice.
Research troubleshooting
Working through unexpected difficulties, uncertainty or changes in project direction.
Research writing and reporting
Reviewing structure, communicating findings and developing clear research outputs.
Researcher development
Building confidence, independence and the ability to make informed research decisions.
Mentoring can also include the review of research documents and materials, with constructive feedback to support their ongoing development.
Who is research mentoring for?
Organisations with in-house researchers
You may have someone responsible for research, evaluation or impact within your organisation but lack the senior research expertise to provide them with regular support. RECAP can provide that independent research perspective without the need to recruit an additional senior member of staff.
Early-career and developing researchers
Whether you are new to research, taking on greater research responsibilities or navigating an unfamiliar methodology, mentoring can provide a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and confidence.
Small research and project teams
Teams working on funded projects, service evaluations or community research may benefit from independent advice, critical reflection and additional methodological expertise throughout their work.
Ways to access research mentoring
One-off Research Mentoring Session
Focused support when you need it.
A 60-minute individual session to explore a particular research question, methodological decision, challenge or area of uncertainty.
Ideal for researchers who would benefit from an experienced sounding board or independent perspective on a specific issue.
Ongoing Research Mentoring
Regular guidance as your research develops.
A structured mentoring arrangement, typically over three to six months, providing consistent support as a project progresses.
This may include regular mentoring meetings, agreed document reviews, reflection on emerging findings and contact between sessions where appropriate.
The frequency and format of support can be tailored to the researcher and project.
Embedded Research Mentor
Experienced research expertise alongside your team.
A retained mentoring arrangement for organisations that would like their in-house researcher or research team to have ongoing access to independent research support throughout a project.
This can include regular meetings, methodological guidance, critical review of research materials and support at key project milestones.
It provides the benefits of an experienced research mentor without the need to employ a senior researcher internally.
Our mentoring approach
We believe that effective research mentoring should be collaborative, reflective and developmental.
Rather than simply providing answers, we encourage researchers to explore their thinking, critically evaluate their options and develop confidence in their own professional judgement.
We recognise that researchers bring different experiences, strengths and areas of expertise. Our mentoring is responsive to individual needs, project requirements and organisational contexts.
Above all, we aim to create a supportive space where questions can be asked, ideas can be challenged and research confidence can grow.
Let's talk about your research
Whether you are an organisation looking to support an in-house researcher or an individual seeking independent research guidance, we would be happy to discuss the most appropriate mentoring arrangement.
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