Celebrating our second year and looking ahead

As we approach our second birthday, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we've accomplished and look forward to the exciting year ahead. 

In October 2022, we were among the first 10 local authorities to receive Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Fast-forward to today, and we’ve built a team of dedicated individuals to drive the work of the HDRC forward alongside colleagues from Coventry University, University of Warwick, University College London, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, key voluntary and community sector partners, and public representatives. 

Building connections 

From the outset, we knew that effective communication would be key to the HDRC's success. To further our work, we've built relationships with organisations regionally and across the UK, launched a website, established a monthly newsletter, and produced a video to introduce the HDRC and its purpose.  

We recently established a monthly webinar series in which experienced researchers share their knowledge and advice on conducting research. The first session, which took place in May, welcomed 127 people from across the UK, including 25 Coventry City Council employees.  

We established a Voluntary Sector Reference Group, developed a Public Involvement Advisory Group, and recruited a Warwick Institute of Engagement intern. We’ve also defined our public involvement principles to ensure that residents’ voices are at the heart of our research, making sure the HDRC's work is both inclusive and impactful. We’re now looking to recruit additional public contributors and see how we can engage the wider sector in research prioritisation. 

Collaboration 

We’re working closely with HDRCs across the UK to drive forward various initiatives. Regionally, we’ve supported Sandwell's HDRC success and developed stronger links with the West Midlands Combined Authority and NIHR West Midlands ARC. We’re actively engaging with internal and external stakeholders within collaborating organisations, aligning our research scope with the city's strategic priorities, particularly our overarching commitment to being a Marmot City.   

In March, Coventry University and Coventry City Council colleagues brought together people from voluntary and community organisations across the city to coproduce training courses. Delivered through the HDRC, the courses will run later this year and provide the voluntary sector and members of the public with the skills and knowledge they need to conduct meaningful research within their own communities.   

In April, we ran our first mixer event. Coventry City Council, Coventry University, and Warwick University teams came together to discuss research and its possible uses. It was a huge success with over 80 attendees and facilitated many discussions around determinants of health such as digital inclusion, housing, transportation, economic development, and more. #CovConnects, the Coventry HDRC, and Economic Development each gave presentations that enabled attendees to understand better current council activities and how research collaboration could be integrated into existing services. 

Exploring new research opportunities 

We’ve designed systems for research requests and explored several research opportunities with council teams. We’ve even supported some research already within the council. 

We’ve integrated “Professional Development and Research” into the Council’s Learning and Development Hub and launched several training modules available to all employees. We’re also developing researcher secondments into teams within the council, supporting the culture change around evidence-based decision-making and professional curiosity. 

Earlier this year, we ran the first in a series of ‘So what’ sessions, providing a space for employees from Coventry City Council who were unfamiliar with academic articles to learn about their structure and content and consider how research and evidence could benefit their own work. 

Next, we’re looking to set up the HDRC research governance systems as we move towards supporting more colleagues in conducting research.  

Looking forward 

The initial development of the HDRC is structured around five core pillars:

• Data and Governance
• Training and Skills
• Public Involvement
• Evaluation
• Impact and Implementation

As we head towards our third year, we’re excited to build on our successes to date and continually evaluate our work to ensure we’re maximising the HDRC's potential.  In our third year, we will continue to work across our collaboration, emphasizing the development and conduct of specific research that directly addresses the wider determinants of health. The research findings will help us improve the health of Coventry residents and reduce inequalities experienced by them. 

How might the HDRC help you?   

You might want to: 

• Find out what training is available to enable you to increase your research knowledge and skills 
• Find out why the building blocks of health account for at least 50% of an individual’s health, much more than the health service at around 20%  
• Increase your understanding of how using research evidence helps us make better-informed decisions 
• Help you think differently in your area of work and see things from different perspective  

If you would like to find out how you can get involved with the HDRC and see how using or doing research could help you in your role, visit our website or email CoventryHDRC@coventry.gov.uk