Breaking down barriers to health research in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is proud to be home to diverse communities, and it is important that this diversity is reflected in the health and care research taking place in the area.
Health and care systems in Greater Manchester have come together to ensure that research will involve a wide range of people that represent local areas accurately and fairly, so that more appropriate and efficient care can be delivered to the patient population.
Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network (GM-REN) has been co-led by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (GM ICP), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), Vocal, the Caribbean and African Health Network on behalf of the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group and the Greater Manchester NIHR research infrastructure. The collaboration has launched a Respectful Research Charter which acts as a guide for both researchers and community groups to understand the barriers preventing those who are underrepresented in research to engage in the process.
The Charter has identified five key areas for successful collaboration to support respectful and accessible research relationships that are mutually beneficial to all:
- Community Leadership - Meaningful research on what matters most to the people it is about and for
- Respect for Community Values - Communities know their neighbourhoods - listen and learn first to understand people and their needs
- Embed Research in Communities – Develop long-term relationships between researchers and communities, fostering trust and collaboration for future projects
- Use Accessible Approaches – Community involvement opportunities should be accessible to all
- Mutually Beneficial Relationships for All – Working together in a way that rewards and values contributions, building sustainable, mutually respectful and productive relationships.
