Layout of Interview Room (print ref: Part 4, Section 5.1)
This paragraph applies to both one-to-one interviews and focus groups used to assess data protection awareness among staff.
It is very bad practice for the Auditor to sit on the opposite side of a table or desk from the interviewee, as this will form both a physical and psychological barrier that will increase the sense of formality. It is better to provide chairs of equal appearance and height set at right angles to each other with a low table positioned between them that can be used for placing refreshments and papers.
This arrangement allows the interviewee to look away while thinking or talking and avoids the formality of the two parties having to face each other directly. Sitting too close may cause discomfort because it will be an intrusion into the interviewee's personal space, while too far away will increase the sense of formality.
Finally, both the Auditor and interviewee should avoid sitting directly in front of a window or bright light source as this will be distracting and make it difficult to see facial expressions.
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