Embedding Community Researchers into Action Research: Lessons from a qualitative Study
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Authors
Sabrina Jantuah
Jack Lawton-Summers
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Working with people and communities
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background
Public involvement is essential for creating impactful and inclusive research. To enhance resident-involvement in wider determinants of health research, Islington Council has developed a Community Researcher Programme. Over the pilot year (2024/25), seven residents were trained to become community researchers and subsequently co-designed and completed research activities aimed at influencing the Council's policies.
Objectives
The evaluation aimed to map barriers and facilitators to integrating community-based researchers in local authority projects and describe the emerging impacts the programme has achieved.
The main objective of the evaluation was to provide insights that would improve future iterations of the programme and to develop lessons that could be shared with researchers in diverse settings.
Methods
Our pilot evaluation combined a process and outcomes evaluation, drawing on evidence from: semi-structured interviews (n=8) with Community Researchers and Islington Council stakeholders which were analysed using a framework matrix approach in Nvivo; document reviews (n=17); and administrative data analysis. An adapted Public Involvement in Research Impact Toolkit (PIRIT) captured intermediate reflections from each researcher and two staff members.
Results
Community-centred recruitment, embedding the researchers into an existing team, flexible scheduling, and senior staff buy-in were key enablers of successful programme implementation. However, mixed expectation management, unclear impact pathways, and administrative barriers (e.g., payment and access to IT systems) hindered progress. Nevertheless, there was emerging evidence that the programme was delivering outcomes in the pilot period. Community Researcher involvement directly shaped research tools, analysis processes, and policymaker attitudes. It is expected that these activities will impact delivery across wider determinants of health services.
Discussion/learning for wider community
Our pilot evaluation highlighted the resources, trust and institutional commitment needed for meaningful, rather than tokenistic, public involvement in research. It also demonstrated how the inclusion of community voices can help bridge the gap between research and policy; the Community Researchers' work enabled research that was more responsive to residents' perspectives and needs. Lessons from this pilot provide a framework for local authorities and researchers seeking to embed community participation in research.