Diverse Research Engagement Network
Improving the inclusion of under-served, racially-minoritised communities in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire in health and care research.
Network in numbers
220
Network members
31
organisations represented in total
19
voluntary and community sector organisations represented
2
lead VCSE organisations
20
completed, ongoing and upcoming research projects involving Health Ambassadors
Purpose of the Network
- To build trusted relationships between researchers and diverse communities to improve how research is done long term, rather than project by project.
- To pass on to communities what is learned from research so that they can benefit from this knowledge, and ensure insights from communities are shared within the health and care system.
- To identify ways that research can address race-related health inequalities.
What the Network does
The Network is a hub for sharing good work, opportunities and connections.
Together, we are creating a unified and coordinated way of working with diverse communities by developing principles for collaboration.
Whilst the focus is on research, this work will influence health and care workforce development, widening participation in higher education and service improvement.
To support impactful changes, we also help to organise training for colleagues working on research locally, including anti-racism, allyship, cultural humility and inclusive recruitment.
Health Ambassadors
The Network aims to build trusted relationships with communities through trained, community-embedded Health Ambassadors. These Health Ambassadors:
- run events promoting research in local communities
- promote the importance of taking part in research
- advise researchers to ensure that their research is inclusive of and adaptive to communities’ preferences.
- enhance the diversity of people taking part in research studies so that findings are representative and meaningful.
- work with our ICS and researchers to do research on topics that matter most to our communities.
Join the Network
The Network meets monthly on a Friday. Meetings are informal. If you have a topic that you would find useful to discuss, anyone else that you would like to invite to the Network, or any other questions, please contact Rachel Allbless.
Before you start your project
Read our Terms of engagement for researchers working with the BNSSG diverse Research Engagement Network. These have been co-created with Network members.
When you have an idea for a project
Complete the contact form to outline your project and how you will work with diverse community members.
If you'd like to work with local Health Ambassadors
Email [email protected] who can help connect you with a Health Ambassador.
Links and downloads
Resources for researchers wanting to work or co-produce research with diverse communities.
