Research Engagement Network
With the communities of Manchester, we have co-developed a Respectful Research Charter that aims to improve health and care outcomes and reduce inequalities.
Our work helps to develop local partnerships between the Integrated Care system, research organisations and VCFSE organisations to support inclusive involvement in research.
This means that those who take part in research are more representative of the population of Greater Manchester, which strengthens engagement with typically underrepresented communities.
Where communities have little awareness about health and care research and do not see the value of research, research teams need to build trust and strengthen reciprocal relationships in partnership with the VCFSE sector.
GM Respectful Research Charter
We’re addressing barriers to sustainable partnerships and improving ways of working with the GM Respectful Research Charter.
Its aim is to empower VCFSE organisations, Community Champions and members of the public to challenge non-inclusive research approaches.
We’re guided by the following principles:
- Community ownership with meaningful research driven by community need and time taken to understand community needs
- Respect for community values taking time to listen, learn and use culturally sensitive approaches
- Communities are embedded in the research process facilitated by long term trusted relationships
- Accessible approaches are used that account for communication and accessibility needs
- There is mutual benefit for all – reciprocal approaches with fair and transparent re-imbursement, recognition of effort and feedback
Our Objectives:
- Work to reduce health and care inequalities by increasing inclusive opportunities for diverse communities to take part in research aimed at addressing their needs
- Increase resources directed at VCFSE organisations who play a vital role in sustaining long term trusted relationships between research teams and communities
- Promote co-design of research priorities and research delivery with those who have lived experiences, focussing on what matters most to the people it is for and about
- Create opportunities for workforce development through a knowledge and skills exchange between VCFSE organisations and research organisations
The Five Charter Pillars
- Community Ownership
- Respect for Community Values
- Embed Communities in Research
- Use Accessible Approaches
- Mutually Beneficial Relationships for All
Organisations involved
News, events and opportunities
Key contacts
This work is being led by VSNW on behalf of the Leadership Group but cuts across all working groups and accord delivery.
Charles Kwaku-Odoi
Request VCFSE participation
For Statutory agency or other partner requesting VCFSE participation
The role of the statutory agency or other partner requesting participation.
- Use GM VCFSE Leadership Group as the first point of contact to set up VCFSE sector participation on a board/group
- Recognise the independence of GM VCFSE Leadership Group in selecting participants in whom members of the VCSE sector have trust and confidence. In certain cases, the board/ group will work alongside GM VCFSE Leadership Group to ensure that the appropriate participant is selected
- Provide the information requested in the below form (as far as possible) when making a request for VCFSE sector participation to the GM VCFSE Leadership Group
- Offer an induction for the participant and identify key documents the participant should be familiar with prior to starting to attend meetings
- Recognise the different issues associated with consulting and representing a ‘sector’ as opposed to a single agency and take these into account in terms of the expectations of the VCSE sector’s role (This may mean ensuring the participant has time to undertake consultation: the participant cannot offer guarantees or any such undertakings without consultation)
- Be clear about any requirements for confidentiality
- If possible, aim to financially support representation of VCFSE sector through offering an annual bursary
- Work with GM VCFSE Leadership Group to identify capacity building issues and way in which these can be supported
Dispute resolution
If there are concerns about anyone participating on behalf of the VCFSE sector, or if the participant has concerns about their role in the Board/Group, the situation will be dealt with informally in the first instance through discussions with the GM VCFSE Leadership Group and the group/board’s chair.
Please enter the below details if you are looking to request VCFSE participation on your board or group. We will get back to you:
