The Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter
Creating equal partnerships and collaboration between researchers and the voluntary sector.
The Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network (REN) is creating an inclusive environment that enables diverse communities to both have a say and take part in health research.
Vocal, along with the Caribbean African Health Network, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration, the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration and the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership have been leading the NHS England funded Greater Manchester REN programme, with support from the Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise(VCFSE) Leadership Group and the NIHR North West Regional Research Delivery Network.
We created the Respectful Research Charter in response to feedback from researchers and VCFSE organisations. We consulted widely through events, conversations and surveys where people told us that they needed a resource to support equitable partnership working. The Charter was co-produced with these groups and includes five pillars. Each pillar is a set of guiding principles outlining best practice in partnership working, covering what is important to VCFSE groups and researchers.
The Respectful Research Charter:
Community ownership with meaningful research driven by community need.
Respect for community values by taking time to listen, learn and use culturally sensitive approaches.
Communities are embedded in the research process facilitated by long-term trusted relationships.
Accessible approaches that account for communication and accessibility needs.
Mutual benefit for all. Reciprocity with fair and transparent re-imbursement, recognition of effort and feedback.
We want to see research organisations working to the principles in the Charter, and building equitable partnerships with diverse communities that focus on mutual benefit and a culture of respect.
“For underserved communities, being actively involved in health research is crucial to closing the gap in health inequalities. By building these trusted partnerships and fostering long-term collaborations, REN empowers communities to be at the centre in driving change and improve health outcomes for future generations."
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, CEO of CAHN
We have also developed and piloted training to help embed the Charter into practice, and to support a culture shift in research towards more mutually beneficial partnerships & community-led approaches.
Case studies and further resources will be shared as new approaches are tested.
