Communications Strategy

We know that language is one of the main reasons that prevents people from ethnic minority backgrounds taking part in research. This is because:

• the inclusion/exclusion criteria in many study protocols require participants to be able to read and speak English

• participants materials such as information sheets and consent forms are only available in English

• the language used in materials such as information sheets and consent forms is often very technical

We have established a Languages and Dialects Group to identify what we can do to address these language issues.

We have a process to produce quality assured translated information that can be used for hard copy media (e.g., leaflets) and social media (e.g., videos). With support from the CRN Yorkshire and Humber Communications Team we have created videos that:

• talk about conditions that are more prevalent in ethnic minority communities (e.g., sickle cell disease and prostate cancer) and the role of research in finding effective therapies for these conditions

• explain how research is carried out so that is safe for people to take part

Our videos are available to watch on YouTube. 

Get Involved as an EMRI Language Associate

We are looking for people to work with us as Language Associates to help us translate written information from English into other languages and to provide voice overs for our videos.

We provide an induction and training for our Language Associates. We also recognise the contributions of our Language Associates by:

• providing every Language Associate with documentary evidence of their work 

• offering recognition payments (these are dependent on the circumstances of the individual).

If you are interested in becoming a Language Associate, please contact us.