Respectful research that reflects the rich diversity of our communities

By The Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network Team 

Inclusive research is imperative to building a healthcare infrastructure that helps identify unique health challenges and promotes equitable solutions that serve the needs of all communities.

Through diverse representation, researchers can better understand how different factors influence health outcomes. Without it, already under-represented groups may be overlooked, leading to further disparities in health and care services.

The Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network (GM REN) is a collaborative network embracing inclusivity and creating an environment that enables diverse communities to take part in health research. As well as ensuring representation is prioritised, the network addresses health and care inequalities in regional research.

GM REN is 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 (GM) Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Leadership Group and the GM NIHR research infrastructure.

Since it’s inception more than 200 organisations have contributed to the development of GM REN through a series of workshops and consultations. During this time, we have:

• listened to a diverse range of communities across GM
• developed equitable partnerships with VCSFE organisations
• engaged system leaders who can embed learning from communities into system change
• connected research organisations to ensure a more joined up approach
• aligned with regional initiatives such as GM Moving; Fairer Health for All, Live Well and 10GM Data Intelligence programmes to uncover areas of cross-over.

We have published a report about our activity to date which showcases some of the communities we have partnered with and shares examples of exemplar projects that aim to boost involvement of excluded groups.

But there is still more to do. The long-term vision for GM REN iis that long term, trusted and mutually beneficial partnerships are developed between communities and researchers, with VCFSE sector investment to support these partnerships.

To aid this, the partnership has launched the Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter (which you can download here) that sets out the principles and values of strong, equitable partnerships between researchers, GM communities and the VCFSE sector. In essence, the Charter acknowledges the critical components necessary for effective research engagement.

The steps to success:

• Community Leadership

Effective research should involve long-term, equitable partnerships between researchers, community leaders and members who are actively included in the research process. Priorities should be agreed, with equal weight given to all parties, and aligned with the community’s greatest need. Central to achieving success is constant communication and openness, with researchers and communities gaining mutual benefits.

• Respect for Community Values

Researchers must listen to and learn from communities to understand cultural, religious and racial sensitivities, in order to achieve optimal engagement with under-represented groups. Language and communication issues should not be a barrier to successful collaboration, and a shared way of working should be agreed early in the process to ensure that engagement is effective and accessible.

• Embed Research in Communities

Sustainable long-term community engagement requires fostering trust within communities. Researchers must invest in and recognise the importance of the role the VCFSE sector and community leaders play in creating that trust and providing support to those who can help address the issues around long-held inequalities.

• Use Accessible Approaches

Time must be taken to understand and deliver the needs of diverse and underrepresented communities. This involves avoiding technical language and jargon, ensuring venues and meeting spaces are accessible and providing translation services where appropriate. Removing barriers to research underpins the principles of the GM REN in ensuring that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to research engagement.

• Mutually beneficial relationships for all

Partnerships must be based on equality where everyone’s role is valued and understood. Benefits for both researchers and communities must be recognised and respected, and efforts must be made to ensure that there is no power imbalance throughout the engagement process. Listening to feedback from communities is crucial to ensuring that learning is a continuous process for researchers.

The Respectful Research Charter stands as a bedrock of successful, inclusive research in Greater Manchester. It represents a shared commitment between researchers and communities to work collaboratively, ethically, and transparently throughout the research journey.

By embracing the principles outlined in the Charter, all collaborators affirm their dedication to building trust, ensuring longevity, and creating lasting impact and success.

The Charter is more than just a guiding document - it is a pledge to commit to meaningful engagement and better health outcomes for all.

Read more about the Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network here.

This activity was funded through the ICS Research Engagement Network (REN) development programme. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of NHS England or the Department of Health and Social Care

Published 14/07/2025