The NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (NHS SWL ICB) is looking to set up two Research Engagement Hubs in Croydon!
For the past four years, the SWL ICB has received funding from NHS England's Research Engagement Network to increase inclusion and diversity in public involvement and participation in research. In South West London they focused on research cafes and setting up the SWL Research Support Network. Listening to communities, they learned that people want more prolonged engagement on research. This year, they hope to replace the cafes with local community Research Engagement Hubs.
Research Engagement Hubs will build on the success of the research cafe approach, creating trusted, informal local spaces where conversations about research can happen naturally over a cup of tea or coffee. The SWL ICB hopes that in the hubs, residents, researchers and community organisations can come together to grow research literacy and identify the opportunities for working together.
They have one off set-up funding of up to £7,000 per hub for 6 months in 2026/27. Successful organisations will benefit from ongoing support to develop future projects, collaborate on funding bids and secure additional funding to sustain and grow Research Engagement Hub activities
The SWL ICB is particularly interested in Croydon organisations that:
- Have demonstrable strong relationships with local communities, particularly communities that are underrepresented in research (such as Black African and Black Caribbean, South Asian communities, refugees and asylum seekers, residents who are temporarily housed, low-income households, gypsy and travellers communities),
- Have the use of an established, welcoming and accessible venue for local people (funding cannot be used for rent)
- Are committed to reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for residents,
- Have strong connections with local partners, including VCSE organisations, the NHS, local authorities, universities, businesses and resident groups,
- Have the capacity, commitment and communication channels to support research and engagement activities,
- Can identify a suitable person to take on the Research Engagement Hub Lead role.
Organisations are expected to:
- Host at least 5 community events or research cafés with a research focus,
- Demonstrate residents' increased awareness and trust of research by feedback and evaluation activities,
- Support at least 5 research studies by helping researchers engage with local communities and participants,
- Encourage at least 20 residents to register with Be Part of Research.
- Produce a regular monthly newsletter or communication update promoting research opportunities, events and learning for the local community,
- Provide quarterly progress reports demonstrating impact, learning, reach and community engagement activities.
Please read more about the opportunity here. An information session where you can ask questions will take place on Thursday 3 September between 3.30pm-4.30pm.
To apply, complete the Expression of Interest by 23:59 on 11 September and send it to: SWLICB-HIT@swlondon.nhs.uk
Informal conversations will take place the week commencing 14th September with shortlisted applicants and successful applicants will be informed by the week commencing 20 September.