Putting communities in the driving seat: report explores impact of participatory research

The final evaluation report from a three-year Community Led Research Pilot has been published, sharing the process, key learnings, outcomes and impact of six exciting community research projects in Reading and Slough.

The pilot aimed to support local people and community groups from Reading and Slough to feel that research and science is more accessible, highlight the value communities bring to research by improving both its quality and relevance, and explore the systems change necessary for universities to lead this work.

Communities were in the driving seat, deciding on a focus and developing their own research questions, based on local needs, innovation and insight – to bring ‘real world’ impacts and exploring powerful themes of social action, campaigning, belonging, heritage, identity and well-being.

The six research projects were led by Slough Anti-Litter Society, Together as One, Reading HongKongers, TRIYBE, The Engine Room and the Integrated Research and Development Centre (IRDC) in Reading.

The report highlights five learning themes: relationship and trust building, roles and perceptions of research, knowledge generation, organisational change and impact.

Dr Steve Scott, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), says:

We’re delighted to share the outputs from this programme and the lessons learned. These projects in Reading and Slough have emphasised the value of funding communities to lead their own research - from generating new scientific knowledge to building skills in both researchers and communities to improving wellbeing and cultural identity.

Over three years, the Community Led Research Pilot placed communities at the heart of the research process, inviting them to develop and deliver their own research.

The pilot was co-created by the British Science Association, the University of Reading and communities that were new to or traditionally underrepresented in research, and developed with and funded by UKRI. The evaluation was carried out by the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) which works to strengthen community development. 

Groups were supported by Associate Professor Dr Sally Lloyd Evans and Senior Research Fellow Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, and the Participatory Action Research team at the University of Reading.

Professor Adrian Bell, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Reading, said:

We are proud at Reading to support our Participatory Action Research researchers as it is this work that really is transformational for our community partners and provides opportunities for research and action.

The Community Led Research Project Evaluation Full Report and Executive Summary, are now available, accompanied by two blogs from the University of Reading - a reflective summary and learnings, and a look at good ethical practice in research - and a funder's reflections blog from UKRI.

The Evaluation explores the opportunities and challenges involved with community led research, and makes recommendations based on learning. It also looks at the positive outcomes, benefits and how the pilot can inform plans for future community led research.

Each group worked with the British Science Association and the University of Reading to co-produce their own unique research project outcomes including videos, case studies, research findings, and other useful tools and resources.

Kate Orchard, Head of Community Engagement, British Science Association said:

We are excited to celebrate the work of all the communities and the University of Reading with the British Science Association. This action-based learning is an important part of our wider work with UKRI and other funders, exploring the potential of community led engagement in research as a tool for social change and impact.