Forensic Focus, in collaboration with Northumbria University, has launched the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study, inviting current and former Digital Forensic Investigators (DFIs) — and professionals working in digital-forensic environments — to take part in an anonymous online survey exploring the relationship between lived trauma, resilience, coping styles, workplace factors, mental health, and physical symptoms.
The study is the first phase of the Forensic Focus Well-Being Research Programme, a multi-phase initiative examining the psychological health and occupational wellbeing of digital-forensics professionals. This initial phase focuses on how early experiences, resilience, coping, and workplace support relate to the emotional and physical wellbeing of DFIs, with the goal of informing improved support systems, supervision frameworks, and organisational wellbeing policies across the profession.
Who can take part
Participants are invited if they:
- Are a current or former DFI, or work in a digital-forensic environment
- Are aged 18+
- Have experience in the digital forensics field
What participation involves
Taking part means completing one anonymous online survey (approximately 30 minutes). The survey includes:
- Demographic questions
- Short, validated questionnaires covering wellbeing, coping, workplace experiences, and prior exposure to potentially distressing or traumatic events
These measures are used for research screening purposes only and are not diagnostic tools. No individual feedback, scores, or clinical interpretation will be provided.
Trauma-sensitive, participant-centred design
Recognising that some questions may touch on sensitive topics — including exposure to distressing material or early life experiences — the study has been designed to minimise discomfort through:
- Neutral, non-graphic language
- Clear reminders that participants can skip questions or pause at any time
- A gentle, compassionate tone throughout
- A debrief page providing immediate access to wellbeing resources
Participants are encouraged not to take part if they believe the topics may be distressing for them.
Confidentiality and anonymity
Participation is fully anonymous. The survey does not request names, email addresses, organisations, or any identifying information, and the platform used has IP tracking and cookies disabled. Participants are asked not to include case-specific or personal details in any free-text responses; any accidental identifiers will be removed during data cleaning.
Survey data will be stored securely on Northumbria University systems, accessible only to the research team, retained for five years after publication, and then permanently deleted.
Voluntary participation and withdrawal
Participation is entirely voluntary. Participants may stop at any time before submitting responses, and no data will be saved until submission. Because the survey is fully anonymous, responses cannot be withdrawn after submission.
How to take part
Complete the anonymous survey using the following link or QR code:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey
Estimated completion time: ~30 minutes
Support information
If any survey topics cause distress, participants can stop immediately and access the support resources listed on the survey debrief page. In the UK, confidential support is available via:
- Mind: 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- NHS 111 (urgent advice and local services)
Participants outside the UK are encouraged to seek local well-being or crisis support services.
Media / Research Contacts
Paul Gullon-Scott (Forensic Focus) — [email protected]
Philip Anderson (Northumbria University) — [email protected]
Supervisor: Dr Sarah Allen (Northumbria University)
Independent contact (data protection / study conduct): Duncan James, Records and Information Manager — [email protected]
