Coventry & Warwickshire Research Engagement Network

In November 2023, Coventry and Warwickshire ICS received funding from NHSE to develop a Research Engagement Network (REN).

The network aims to increase engagement with communities that are often underserved by research and to improve diversity in research participation.

Its goal is to build a sustainable REN across Coventry and Warwickshire, supporting the Integrated Care System’s strategic priorities of tackling health inequalities and improving access to care.

All ICS partner organisations will prioritise diversity in research, helping to develop treatments, technologies, and services that better meet the needs of the population. 

 

Our Plan

 

What we’ve done so far

 

Since it's creation in 2023, the Coventry and Warwickshire REN has made progress towards improving health related research in a number of areas, including: 

• Embedding the REN in the wider ICS through Terms of Reference and setting up the ICS REN Working Group 
• Developing a charter of “Principles of Working”
• Strengthened our existing relationships with local VCFSE’s and broadened local relationships with more VCFSE’s
• Strengthened relationships with research organisations and broadened local relationships to more research organisations
• Identified ways to engage with communities previously not successfully engaged with
• Provided training to 9 individuals to become a Community Research Champions
• Co-created resources to raise awareness of research with the Community Research Champions

 

 

Who are our partners? 

 

The Coventry and Warwickshire REN involves a range of partners involved in both health and social care and health-related research. REN partners include:

1. Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
2. University Hospitals of Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust
3. University of Warwick
4. Coventry University
5. Warwickshire & Solihull Community and Voluntary Action
6. Other VCSE; EQuiP, Healthwatch, Voluntary Action Coventry
7. Community Research Champions (see below).
8. Warwickshire County Council
9. Coventry City Council
10. NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) - Coventry
11. Research Delivery Network (RDN) West Midlands

 

Community Research Champions (CRC) 

Community Research Champions are passionate individuals who care considerably about health equality and want to make a positive difference in their communities.

CRCs use their local knowledge, lived experience, and community connections to help shape how research is discussed and shared. They might co-create events or resources, suggest local opportunities for researchers to connect with the public, or simply help ensure that conversations about research are inclusive and relevant.

To become a CRC, you don’t need any prior experience in health or social care research, but rather a strong connection to your community, an interest in hearing others' experiences, and a willingness to promote those voices.

You can become a CRC by

Contact details:- is this going to remain with Tracy?