NIHR ARC East Midlands webinar promotes inclusion of under-represented groups

Examples of good practice of community engagement and inclusion of under-represented groups in research were shared through an ARC East Midlands virtual seminar.

More than 180 delegates logged on to view the ‘Community Engagement & Inclusion of Under-Represented Groups in Research’ online event in February 2021.

The event is now available to watch in full on the ARC EM YouTube channel.

ARC EM is the national lead for equality, diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups and brought together contributions from across the NIHR ARCs for this virtual conference.

It was chaired by Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director for ARC EM and Lead for The Managing Multimorbidity Theme and Professor Azhar Farooqi, Lead for The Ethnicity and Health Inequalities Theme.

Dr William van’t Hoff, the Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN), gave a keynote presentation covering under representation in research.

As well as presentations from the ARCs with examples of good practice of community engagement and inclusion of under-represented groups in research, there was also an update from ARC EM on the pilot of Equality Impact Assessments in research.

Outcomes of public perception of COVID-19 vaccine trials was covered and there was also a panel session with presenters.

A special virtual booklet, which showcased best practice examples, was prepared for audience members.

Feedback from delegates, included:

• “Examples of good practice. It was a fab event – inspiring!”
• “Presenting a wide variety of research experiences with ethnic minorities.”
• “Having representation from across the UK not just your own ARC.”

All of the presentations given during this virtual seminar are available to download on the NIHR ARC East Midlands website.