Develop your skills for successful partnerships with communities

There are a wide range of Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations and charities which support communities in different ways. Working in partnership with these organisations can support inclusive research, including through addressing health inequalities. Vocal has co-developed an interactive training workshop with VCFSE organisations, researchers and public partners, to help researchers to create and sustain meaningful collaborative partnerships with communities.

The Partnering with Communities workshop includes:

• The skills and insights needed to work effectively with communities.

• Identifying communities of place, identity and practice.

• Understanding the needs of communities.

• How to develop sustainable, trust-based partnerships by working with the Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter, co-produced with local community organisations.

• How to ensure accessible and relevant communication.

• The broader context of the  research landscape and the National Institute for Health and Care Research commitment to public partnerships

In the workshop, VCFSE organisations, researchers and community partners share their experiences of partnerships, including the challenges and successes. There are lightning talks, a panel discussion and small group work that explores practical ways to embed good practice using the principles within the Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter.

I learned more about some of the community partners already working with Vocal and the BRC. Lots of ideas to improve my relationships with current community partners and what to do moving forward with any new ones.

Researcher, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

The event was excellent and there was an atmosphere of wanting to learn and develop together.

Community Partner

For more information about bringing this training to your organisation, please contact Emily Howlett.