Field Operations Briefing Guide

Purpose

This guide equips field supervisors with a structured approach to briefing and managing enumerator teams during CAPI-based survey operations. It covers onboarding, role assignments, consent delivery, escalation, and daily debrief.

Part 1: Enumerator Onboarding

1.1 Pre-Briefing Checklist (Supervisor)

Before enumerators arrive on Day 1:

• Device allocation list prepared (enumerator name → device ID → CAPI login)
• Cluster assignment map printed or loaded on supervisor device
• Daily quota per enumerator confirmed (based on instrument length and travel time)
• Consent script printed in all required local languages
• Emergency contact list prepared (supervisor, field coordinator, lead researcher, security focal)
• Per diem and logistics schedule confirmed in writing

1.2 Day 1 Onboarding Agenda

1.3 Knowledge Verification (end of Day 1)

10-question quiz covering: study purpose, confidentiality rules, consent procedure, skip logic for 3 key transitions, data submission, escalation for refusals.

Minimum pass mark: 8/10. Enumerators scoring below 8 receive targeted follow-up on Day 2.

Part 2: Role Assignments

2.1 Standard Team Structure

2.2 Supervisor Daily Responsibilities

Before field departure:

• Confirm device charge and sync status for all team members
• Brief team on the day's clusters and routing plan
• Confirm daily quota and quality expectations

During field hours:

• Monitor live submissions via dashboard every 2 hours
• Contact enumerators if submission count is 20%+ behind schedule by 10:00 AM
• Conduct at least 1 field observation per enumerator per week

After field hours:

• Complete daily supervisor report
• Conduct evening debrief (see Part 5)
• Confirm all devices synced before 20:00

Part 3: Consent Script Delivery

3.1 Standard Consent Opening

Read aloud at the start of every household contact:

"Good [morning/afternoon]. My name is [NAME] and I am working with NM Research and Advisory on a study about [STUDY TOPIC]. This study is being carried out for [CLIENT/PROGRAMME]. We are visiting selected households in this area.

Taking part is completely voluntary. If you choose not to take part, or stop at any point, there will be no negative consequences. Your answers will be kept confidential and will not be shared in a way that identifies you.

The interview takes approximately [X] minutes. Do you agree to take part?"

3.2 Special Cases

Low-literacy respondents: Read slowly; ask respondent to repeat back their understanding. Record verbal consent timestamp in CAPI.

Respondents with questions: Answer honestly. If unsure, note the question and consult the supervisor before proceeding. Do not pressure or incentivise participation.

Proxy respondents: Confirm the proxy is an adult household member. Note proxy status in CAPI. Do not use proxy for sensitive or individual-level modules unless explicitly permitted by protocol.

Children (under 18): Parental/guardian consent required in addition to child assent. Follow the study's child safeguarding protocol without exception.

3.3 Refusal Procedure

1. Thank the respondent; do not press for reconsideration
2. Record refusal in CAPI (reason if given)
3. Apply the replacement procedure per sampling protocol
4. Report to supervisor at next check-in

Part 4: Field Escalation Paths

Escalation Script

State: your name and cluster → situation in one sentence → what you have done → what you need.

"This is [NAME] in cluster 7B. A respondent became distressed during the income module and asked to stop. I ended the interview and recorded it as a partial refusal. I need guidance on whether to attempt re-contact and when."

Part 5: Daily Debrief Structure

Run with the full enumerator team. Allow 20–30 minutes. Do not skip.

Debrief Notes Template

Date: ___________    Cluster(s): ___________    Team size: ___________

Completed today: ___ / Target: ___
Refusals: ___    Partial completions: ___    Replacements used: ___

Issues raised:
1. ___________
2. ___________

Actions taken / escalated:
___________

Device sync status: All synced ☐ / Pending: ___________

Supervisor signature: ___________

Quick Reference Card

Print and distribute to all team members.

For field supervision training or quality assurance advisory, contact NM Research and Advisory.