The research explores the understandings and experiences of frontline social service employees within Christian social services in New Zealand, examining how various factors influenced opportunities, perspectives and decision-making regarding current employment.

Understanding employee experiences and motivations can assist in shaping an increasingly supportive work environment. By identifying the experiences and factors that led to employment in Christian social services, organisations can intentionally foster effective recruitment strategies. The research aims to enhance future innovative recruitment and development opportunities, supporting staff which in-turn strengthens the service provided to those served.

You have been invited to participate because you are a front-line social service worker, employed within the past 2 years, within a member organisation of the New Zealand Christian Council of Social Services

Eligible participants are:

• a front-line social service worker, 

• employed within the past 2 years, 

• within a member organisation of the New Zealand Christian Council of Social Services

Participants will:

• Complete a short anonymous online survey (via Google Forms – approx. 15 minutes max).   

• Have an opportunity to express your interest in a further interview.

Four participants will be invited to engage in an audio-recorded interview of up to 40 minutes (either on Microsoft Teams or in person).

During the survey, and interviews, participants will; recount any early experiences and factors that were formative in their choice of work/career pathways. Participants will be asked to reflect on their job-seeking experiences and recall any factors that were compelling in their choice to apply and accept employment with the Christian social service provider. Participants will be asked to consider any recruitment elements that were helpful in their decision and in what ways recruitment steps could be enhanced. If there are more willing interview participants than needed, a diverse range of participants will be selected to provide a diversity of thought and experience.

The interviews will be private and anonymised. Care will be taken to ensure identities will be protected.

The interviews will be recorded and transcribed by the researcher. Research participants will receive copies of their contributions (transcriptions of the interview) and will have 10 days to review them, including editing, approving or requesting content not be used. Participants are free to withdraw from the study up to this point.

Transcripts and collated data will then be studied for findings of significance. The results will be published in a Master’s dissertation and may be used in reports, presentations, training and conferences related to Christian social service workforce sustainability. Care will be taken to ensure no identifiable data is presented. Original data will be stored securely during the research and for a following five years at which point it will be destroyed.

I acknowledge The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) who have given their endorsement of this research. 

If you have any further questions regarding the research, you are welcome to make contact by email Davina.PlummerNZ@gmail.com. Alternatively you can contact the Dean of Research at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, Dr Peter Bray, p.bray@bti.ac.nz.