Table 1 Topics for discussion at the workshop

Workshop presentations included:

• Feedback on the findings of the telephone survey

• Descriptions of fieldworkers’ roles, facilitating factors and challenges in participating sites

• Key findings from recent social science research on fieldworkers’ roles

Workshop discussion topics included:

• What is an ‘ideal’ fieldworker: What generic and specific activities (roles) do fieldworkers carry out, what skills do they need to undertake their roles ethically and effectively and how do they acquire these key skills?

• What is the optimal support needed for fieldworkers to carry out their roles effectively? In areas of skills building and enhancement; structural support within institutions; and community engagement

• What areas can we influence and what does this require? (round table discussion)

• Joining the loose ends: Similarities and differences in ways forward for centres (plenary discussion)