Pan North West: Strengthening research engagement and collaboration
Francesca McIntosh at the event promoting BRIDGE
Last week, the Pan North West event took place in Manchester, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to strengthen collaboration and engagement. In this blog post, our Research and Communications Coordinator, Francesca McIntosh, shares her insights and key takeaways from the event.
As the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise research coordinator for Cheshire and Merseyside and the creator of the BRIDGE Research Network, I had the privilege of working alongside the Research Engagement Network teams across the North West to organise a pan North West event, a day filled with powerful discussions, shared experiences, and a collective drive to make research more inclusive and community-led. The energy in the room was inspiring, and it was clear that everyone was committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that research truly serves all communities.
The day began with insightful presentations that highlighted the importance of research engagement at both a national and regional level. Alice Williams from NHS England provided a national perspective on the ICS Research Engagement Network programme, emphasising the role research plays in improving health outcomes, job satisfaction for health and care staff, and the wider economy.
She shared compelling data demonstrating that research-active hospitals deliver better care and that for every £1 invested in research, there is a £19 return to the wider economy. However, she also stressed that research must be representative of all communities, as disparities in clinical trials can lead to treatments that don’t work as well for some groups. This was a crucial reminder that research must be shaped by and for the people it aims to serve.
Teams from Cheshire & Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire & South Cumbria shared how they are working to increase diversity in research participation and tackle systemic barriers. It was particularly encouraging to see how different regions are developing community-led research projects, focusing on mental health inequalities, data accessibility, and inclusive engagement strategies.
For me, one of the most powerful aspects of the event was hearing directly from diverse communities about their experiences with research. Some of the projects that stood out included:
The Deaf Village in Blackburn, where community members shared the challenges deaf individuals face in research and healthcare. Their insights reinforced the need for specialist interpreters, inclusive communication tools, and culturally appropriate engagement.
Streetlife in Blackpool, where innovative comedy-based workshops have been used to encourage research participation in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Inspire Women Oldham, who are building confidence in research through peer-led initiatives. The StrongHer Together project showcased how women can take ownership of research and shape studies that directly impact their health and wellbeing.
To learn more about these initiatives and explore all projects shared at the event, you can view the presentation slides here.
Making research more accessible
A recurring theme in discussions was the need to remove jargon and acronyms that can make research feel inaccessible. Many of us agreed that clearer communication is needed so that more people can understand and engage with research opportunities.
There was also a push for greater visibility of ongoing projects, so organisations can identify similar work happening elsewhere and collaborate rather than duplicate efforts. Integrated Care Boards were encouraged to use and share data more effectively, ensuring that research is driven by real-world evidence.
Addressing barriers and supporting community researchers
A major discussion point was how funding processes sometimes create competition rather than collaboration. We need to move towards a collective approach to securing resources, ensuring that research is done with communities, not to them.
Many attendees also called for affordable and accessible training courses to help community members become researchers, rather than always relying on external experts. There was a clear message that we need to develop researchers from within underrepresented groups, making lived experience a central part of research design. Training should also be available in various formats to accommodate different learning styles.
Technology access was also raised- something as simple as having a laptop can determine whether someone can participate in research. We need to address these resource gaps to make research more equitable and inclusive.
The role of BRIDGE Research Network
Throughout the event, BRIDGE Research Network, was mentioned as a potential solution to many of these challenges. BRIDGE was developed by VSNW with support and influence by both community voices and the research infrastructure across the north west coast.
BRIDGE provides a collaborative space for sharing research opportunities, showcasing good practice, finding research partners, and openly discussing the struggles that come with research engagement. There was a strong appetite for using BRIDGE to create and share resources, making it easier for organisations to learn from one another.
One of the biggest takeaways was the need for tangible evidence of research impact. We often hear that research is important, but communities need to see the difference it makes. BRIDGE can help VCFSE organisations work with researchers to demonstrate real-world benefits, from policy change to better service delivery.
Moving forward together
Research is at its best when it is community-led and co-designed. The voices and insights shared reinforced the importance of putting people at the heart of research, ensuring they are not just participants but active partners in shaping the research agenda.
As we move forward, I am excited to continue working on BRIDGE Research Network and our partners to make research more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful. This event was a fantastic step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing how these discussions shape the future of research engagement in the North West.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed- let’s now keep the conversation going and make sure research works for everyone!
Employing Ex-offenders in the VCSE Sector Event Summary
VSNW Presents ‘Employing Ex-Offenders in the
VCSE Sector’
19th May 2021 4pm-5pm
A full recording of the event can be found here.
The pandemic has exaggerated unemployment levels, which has had dramatic effects on individuals, families and the wider community. Ex-offenders have a particularly high risk of unemployment after finishing their sentence, which, amongst other factors, enhances the likelihood of reoffending. Helping and securing employment can have long and prominent positive effects, not only for the individual but for wider society too.
VSNW welcomed a selection of speakers to discuss their processes and experiences of working with and employing ex-offenders, including an inspiring insight from John, who has been through the process himself.
Our key takeaway messages:
People deserve a second chance-employment is vital in lowering re-offending rates.
Re-creating real-life work scenarios inside prison is an important process of getting offenders ready to work.
Supporting offenders release from prison with travel expenses ,meeting them upon release etc is vital to the transition.
Many ex-offenders have transferable skills intrinsic to business and the workplace.
Support and buddy programmes needed as ex-offenders can be vulnerable.
Employment is only one variable that effects re-offending rates,family support and housing being examples of others. This needs to be kept in mind.
For organisations wanting to implement practices to employ ex-offenders, partnerships with other organisations to support can be key. Whether that’s another organisation already successfully employing ex-offenders to learn employment practices from, or a housing or mental health organisation for example to provide the wrap around support that can sometimes be required.
Darren Burns, from the Timpson Foundation, discussed the history of the foundation and how the group became invested in employing ex-offenders and giving them a second chance. They are now proudly the largest employer of ex-offenders in England.
They have four main streams of employment:
1: ROTL (Release on Temporary License)
This begins with informal interviews after liaising with prison staff, the aim of which is to grasp the character and personality of the individual. ROTL allows successful applicants to leave prison in the day to work and return to prison in the evening. They receive national living wage.
2. Prison training academies:
As a lot of prison work doesn’t get prisoners ready for the real world, these prison training academies aim to replicate a real Timpson branch environment for practice and assessing skills. When the prisoners are then eligible for ROTL, the continuity of environment is very positive.
3 .Some people in custody do not have access to ROTL (perhaps they are in category B prisons/sentence is too short). In this instance they are risk assessed and interviewed and then met upon release and given a travel pass and a job.
4. People feel confident applying through normal streams as Timpson is renowned for its employment ethos.
Darren explained some of main reasons why the Timpson Foundation has decided to engage with the above employment processes:
People deserve a second chance-reoffending rates are dramaticallyr educed if employed.
Reoffending costs the taxpayer vast amounts each year, thus reducing this benefits family, individual, wider society, tax payer and communities
Experience of prison often gives people qualities of personal resilience. They are often more hardworking, more honest and can be business savvy.
Annie Gale, from COOK Ltd and the Raw Talent Programme gave an overview of their experiences and processes too.
The RAW (Ready & Working) Talent Programme supports people with convictions, who suffer from addiction and who are homeless. Their company values see their employees as “essential ingredients” to their success, which they regard as doing the right thing by society as well as turning a profit. The programme has the following stages:
1. Training before job offer (a supported trial shift)
2. All those who complete the programme are interviewed
3. The programme is run 3 times a year and 2-4 jobs are offered from each.
COOK Ltd strive to see the potential in people and maintain that somebody’s past doesn’t have to define their future. They believe that doing good business attracts good people, shareholders, suppliers and customers. They put equality at the fore of their ethos and make sure that their employees are offered support, buddy programmes etc. They have high expectations and a disciplinary process, which has been devised from learning over the years.
VCSE NW Networking #Workplace Well-being
We begin our networking series with the theme of ‘Workplace Well-being’ to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. This pandemic has strained all of us, at home, and at work; as we navigate our way out of lockdown it is imperative we focus on well-being in the work place.
We are excited to be joined by Maisie Hulbert, Policy Officer at at ACEVO and author or “workforce wellbeing in charities” and Sehrish Qureshi Well-Being Service Manager at Lancashire BME Network.
Join us and have the chance to network and discuss with other organisations.
VSNW AGM & Conference 2018
Our AGM and Conference which takes place at Blackburne House (pictured below) in Liverpool on November 14th.
We can now reveal the day’s agenda, including the choice of workshops in which you can take part, so that you can plan your day with us.
‘A New Direction for Uncertain Times’
Wednesday 14th November 2018 10.00am – 3.30pm
Venue: Blackburne House, 3 Blackburne Place, Liverpool, L8 7PE
Our AGM and Conference takes place at Blackburne House (pictured below) in Liverpool on November 14th.
We can now reveal the day’s agenda, including the choice of workshops in which you can take part, so that you can plan your day with us.
AGENDA
10.00am Coffee, Registration and Networking
10.30am Keynote Speaker and Q&A
Claire Dove, CEO of Blackburne House & Crown Representative of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (covering Claire’s role as Crown Representative and her thoughts on the future of the sector) (TBC)
11.00am Choice of three Workshops*
12.15pm Lunch
1.00pm AGM:
A review of VSNW’s work during 2018 with Warren Escadale
VSNW’s future priorities with Alison Page
Formal AGM business
1.45pm Choice of three Workshops*
3.00pm Plenary & Closing Remarks with Warren Escadale, Alison Page and the Workshop Leads
3.30pm Close
*The workshops on offer will include the following:
1. ‘What is the Sector’s role in an Inclusive Economy?’
Graham Whitham, GM Poverty Action, to provide a high level introduction;
Lynne Stafford, Gaddum, and Ellen Loudon, Canon Chancellor of Liverpool Diocese, share their learning and experiences
2. Better Start - ‘VCSE’s role in Maternity Services’
Jo Ward, Change Maker and Co-Chair of the North West Social Prescribing Network and Jan Campbell of Sefton CVS (TBC)
3. ‘The VCSE role in a Social Economy’
Garth Hodgkinson, CEO of Community CVS (Blackburn) on developing a local social economy fit for the future
Alan Southern of The Heseltine Institute (TBC)
4. ‘The Sector’s role in the Future World of Work’
FACT’s Tom Rowlands on creatively exploring lessons for the future, influencing thinking and on understanding the VCSE role
5. ‘Changing World of Health: Keeping on Track’
Warren Escadale, CEO VSNW, keeping track of the new NHS “roadmap”
Michele Scattergood, CEO Breakthrough UK, discussing her experience of broadening engagement and participation in a Local Care Organisation
6. ‘Home Sweet Home – Developing the Sector’s role in place’
Liz Windsor-Welsh, CEO Action Together, Oldham, on the role of the Voluntary Sector in public service reform and Community Hubs
Sally Yeoman, CEO Halton and St Helen’s CVS, on Halton and St. Helen’s experiences