Local Authority Research Practitioner regional catch ups 2026

19 May 2026

During April, our Local Authority Research Practitioners (LARPs) and some of our Public Health Engagement Leads (PHELs) met regionally to network, share learning, and discuss regional research priorities. 

In the North West, 9 LARPs and 3 PHELs met in Liverpool and had the opportunity to discuss research buy in from senior leadership, and publishing. 

The North East and Yorkshire and Humber group met in York, 9 LARPs and 2 PHELs shared wins and challenges, buy in from senior leadership, and the use of the evidence pie.

The 14 East of England and South East and LARPs also met jointly in London, their topics for discussion included arranging student placements, how to build on what already exists, using indirect methods to reach people, and progress.  

In the South West 6 LARPs, a PHEL and a Consultant in Public Health met in Exeter, they were joined by colleague from a local PHIRST who came to meet everyone, as a wider research network is being established across the South West.

In the Midlands, 7 LARPs and 1 PHEL met in Birmingham and discussed successes and challenges, Saeed from Nottingham City Council presented about their Research Governance Framework,  Hewa from Birmingham City Council presented about everyday ethics in community based participatory research.

Our 10 LARPs from London, lessons learned so far, determining research priorities and the public and community partnerships funding award.

Feedback included: 

Kay Howes, Chief Operating Officer: "Thank you so much for an amazing day.  I really enjoyed meeting you all, hearing about your roles and being part of such a supportive conversation and network."

Emily Taylor, PHEL in the South West: "Thank you for an excellent and thought-full day... It was great to connect with everyone, hear about the great work going on, and share ideas."

Anonymous - "Hearing how other local authorities have applied strategies in their area can be really helpful, and discussing the challenges they have face. The regional event was really useful, as it helped us create a shared identity and a joined up approach, but also allowed scope for honest discussion of things that might be barriers/obstacles, and the 'p' and 'P' politics of it!

Anonymous... "The regional events have been crucial for me, as meeting people and networking has made it easier for me to feel a part of it."

Jamie Haliwell, LARP, Wirral Council - "It was a great day to share learning, challenges and our achievements, including our projects for our public and community partnership awards. It was great to meet the other LARPs and PHELs in the regional. We took time to work on a conference session that some of the North West LARPs will be presenting in July at the International Festival of Public Health in Manchester."

Eve Kelly, LARP in Reading and West Berkshire Councils - "I attended the Southeast regional LARP event 3 months into my role and it was a great opportunity to hear about fellow LARPs work, it provided me with ideas for how my role could be shaped. The catch up was an engaging space to share our wins, challenges, and questions alike."

Abby Falla, LARP, Leeds City Council: "The meet up provided a great space for discussion to free flow, where LARPs needed to explore issues like the types of evidence local authorities need for decision making, how they interpret it, and how we support the development of language to become more research engaged. Meeting LARPs and PHELs beyond my region but still ‘local’ was particularly helpful."