Research, Evidence, Evaluation and Learning (REEL) training programme 

To develop the training, the NIHR HDRC Cumberland team consulted with Council colleagues, academic partners and community organisations through a range of meetings, webinars and their launch event. This helped them understand what topics of study would be of interest, at what level, and how they could make them accessible. A colleague survey conducted in August 2024 revealed limited research knowledge and confidence.

The team developed a Research Evidence, Evaluation and Learning (REEL) capability framework with 8 topics:

• Health inequalities and the determinants of health

• Theory of change methodology

• Using evidence

• Performing service evaluations

• Planning and delivering research

• Ensuring continuous quality improvement

• Strategic research leadership

• Co-production and co-research

Each topic is broken down into 3 levels, and the skills and knowledge required at each level for each topic is set out in the framework.

Once the framework was established, the team designed training to deliver on each topic. To support understanding, they offered a one-hour ‘bite-sized’ introduction to each topic, outlining what the training involved. They then scheduled online and face-to-face training events for each topic at every level. Feedback is collected after every training session so the team can see what worked well, and where they might need to make changes for next year.

Developing the REEL capability framework and training programme has enabled the team to bring both Council and community organisation colleagues together in shared learning sessions. This has fostered meaningful dialogue and strengthened mutual understanding and respect.

Evaluation of the training sessions delivered to date has shown that participants value the training, particularly how applied and practical it is. The team hope to see increased confidence and capability across research, evidence, evaluation and learning across the Council when the annual training survey is sent to all colleagues in November 2025.

The REEL Capability Framework and Training Programme can be viewed online: Cumbria Observatory – Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

For more information, please contact Jae-Llane Ditchburn, HDRC Training Officer on Jae-llane.ditchburn@Cumberland.gov.uk 

This page is available as a PDF, this webpage is the accessible version.