Ethical Considerations

The artistic partnerships included music providers, arts organisations, local schools and community groups which included elders’ groups, library groups, youth groups, and newly-promoted activities targeting disadvantaged adults and young people. Working with non-professional geographic community participants was an integral process key to the notion of working in a hyperlocal fashion because, in hyperlocal’s home of media, specific geographical news content strives to inform and engage the particular community residing in the area it documents.

Particular care was taken towards community participants with vulnerable and pastoral needs. With each school and community group, we liaised in advance with the lead group leader and where appropriate were informed in advance of workshop sessions about any issues arising or individuals who we needed to engage more sensitively. We also had feedback sessions with the group leader to discuss the strengths and struggles with each session.

I ensured that I followed Birmingham City University’s ethical policy. I met with research supervisors regarding safeguarding measures required for each person involved in the project. I stipulated that all composers had Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to ensure the safety of all involved in the research project fieldwork. I sought photo/video/recording permissions for all our participants due to the high level of social media and online documentary for collaborative projects. I gained permission from all participants to allow their collaborative work to be included in this research project. I addressed issues of authorship and credited each participant for their role in the creation of the new music pieces. I ensured that each community collaboration was led by each composer to the highest of standards, based on trust and respect for the dignity of each person’s life.