Local authority research stages

Research Launch (R-LAUNCH): Low level of research experience/engagement

R-LAUNCH describes local authorities that have had limited research experience and have yet to explore the options and the potential benefits that research can bring to the organisation and the communities it serves.

LARPs within a R-LAUNCH local authority can support the authority to build connections and explore opportunities for developing and delivering research within the organisation. In the longer term this will support the foundations for research infrastructure and growth of a culture that promotes evidence-based practice and learning that will inform future decision-making and policies. 

Research Build (R-BUILD): Moderate level of research experience/ engagement 

R-BUILD describes local authorities that have started their research journey, having undertaken work to better understand the options and potential impact research can have on the organisation’s aims and objectives, and the communities it serves.

Previous experience may include, but is not limited to, some of the activities outlined in R-LAUNCH. External research funding opportunities (for example HDRC) may have been explored and considered but not yet applied for, or a small number of applications may have been submitted.

LARPs within a R-BUILD local authority can help to progress this journey by providing support to embed a research infrastructure and culture within the organisation, promoting the value of being research active and positioning themselves as the local contact, expert and champion of research.

Research Enhance (R-ENHANCE): Higher level of research experience/ engagement 

R-ENHANCE describes local authorities that are research active, with experience of securing external research funding and/or delivering research studies within the organisation. Some of the research infrastructure is in place and there are members of the workforce that are engaging with research. There is a level of understanding of the steps needed to routinely embed research in policy making and activities.

LARPs within a R-ENHANCE local authority can further develop existing good practice, progress future plans and work with colleagues to respond to local needs by co-producing research proposals, securing appropriate funding and supporting effective delivery. They will be a key contact, expert and champion of research.

LARP suggested responsibilities for each research stage

Below are suggested responsibilities for Local Authority Research Practitioner’s (LARPs) at each research stage. These have been developed to support local authorities who are applying for LARP funding.

Suggested responsibilities for LARPs within a R-LAUNCH local authority:

• Deliver awareness raising activities, including networking at a senior level to influence senior leaders on the value of being research active. 

• Conduct an audit of skills and capacity across the authority to identify the current level and scope of capacity and capability to engage with research.

• Enable access to guidance, support and training for those looking to engage with research.

• Provide training on how to source and use research evidence to inform decision-making.

• Identify the barriers to research within the Local Authority to help inform decisions on potential research infrastructure, both for research delivered in the Local Authority and research projects initiated by the local authority.

• Provide opportunities for workforce colleagues with an interest in research to network across directorates and connect colleagues with relevant regional and national research networks.

• Talk to and involve some public and community contributors to determine what you want Public Involvement and Community Engagement to look like and achieve at your council.

Suggested responsibilities for LARPs within a R-BUILD Local Authority:

• Deliver awareness raising activities including engaging and influencing senior leaders and elected members on the value of being research active. 

• Conduct an audit of skills and capacity across the authority to identify the current level and scope of capacity and capability to engage with research. Where research has happened or is being undertaken, create a central system to record and share activity.

• Provide, or enable access to, guidance, support and training for those looking to engage with research.

• Provide training on how to source and use research evidence to inform decision-making and, where appropriate, training on research methods.

• Identify opportunities where research evidence could support decision-making (for example service commissioning or policy development).

• Support the development of research infrastructure and provide appropriate training on research processes within the authority.

• Work with colleagues to develop a list of research priority areas, identify research funding opportunities and support colleagues to apply.  

• Develop regular research meetings and networks and ensure that research features routinely on meeting agendas.

• Connect colleagues with relevant regional, national research and academic networks.

• Work with public and community contributors to develop a Public Involvement and Community Engagement plan or strategy, embedding principles of public and community involvement and engagement in your council’s research and research structures. 

Suggested responsibilities for LARPs within a R-ENHANCE local authority:

• Be an advocate for research, acting as a point of contact and mentor for colleagues wishing to develop their research ideas.

• Provide guidance, support, and training to colleagues interested or involved in research and signpost to relevant resources available.

• Provide training on how to source and use research evidence to inform decision-making and where appropriate, training on research methods.

• Develop processes to embed the use of research into decision making.

• Enable the ongoing development of research infrastructure to ensure that research priorities can be identified, and projects can be planned (including governance and ethical considerations), funded and delivered to time.

• Support the co-production and prioritisation of research questions with colleagues, in response to known needs within the authority, identifying research funding opportunities and supporting colleagues to apply.    

• Support the development of aspiring researchers, research leaders and the wider workforce by connecting colleagues with relevant regional, national research and academic networks.  

• Together with public and community contributors deliver your council’s Public Involvement and Community Engagement plan or strategy, embedding public community involvement in research across your council.