A research team within Aberdeen Business School at the Robert Gordon University has been granted funding by the European Social Fund (ESF) to carry out a research project entitled Women in Media and Communication. The project seeks by examining the Scottish media and communication sector in-depth to contribute towards raising awareness of the benefits of removing gender constraints in the workplace, in employment, career progression, training and income generating opportunities. 

The first year of this project comprises of two stages: Stage 1 - a postal survey of all organisations in the Scottish media and communication sector and Stage 2 - telephone interviews with 500 employees within this sector.  The questionnaire stage aimed to gather data relating to the existence of gender policies in organisations and the barriers which may exist in implementing and introducing these polices.  The second stage seeks to determine the employees’ perspective and by means of short telephone interviews aims to gather data on the experiences of those working within this particular sector.  (I enclose a copy of the interview schedule for your interest).  These telephone interviews will be carried out by a member of the research team at the Robert Gordon University.  The interviews will be short (a maximum of 30 minutes in length) and will be recorded in order to aid transcription.  Anonymity and confidentiality at all times will be guaranteed.

These interviews are scheduled to take place in September 2004. aimhi members interested in taking part should contact either Lorraine or Graeme on 01224 263477 / 263889 or l.illingworth@rgu.ac.uk,  g.baxter@rgu.ac.uk.