ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the research field that the book is based upon, including the voluntary sector environment and dominant criminological thinking. It outlines the methods used, including semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary analysis, explaining why these methods were deemed to be most suitable for research in this context. The voluntary sector projects which generated data are explored in some detail, including how organisations and individuals were accessed and selected. The chapter also includes reflections upon how to proceed ethically with participants who face a complex range of social exclusions, exploring challenges encountered and adaptations made along the way, before explaining how data were analysed.
