Browse the full range of Local Government initiatives selected by NIHR for research input to date.
Each evaluation is allocated to one of our 8 PHIRSTs which are ready to work with local authorities to co-produce research to underpin priority initiatives. You can browse the full list of PHIRST evaluations from this page. You can also browse our database of academic peer-reviewed publications that have arisen from PHIRST projects.
This paper examines the landscape surrounding evidence-led decision-making in local authorities and seeks to explore the perceived research capability and capacity within one local authority in northern England to understand how research influences policy and practice.
This article provides a mini-review and summary of evidence regarding the various effects of housing on both physical and psychological well-being.
This article outlines how the use of a loosely defined, human-learning-system informed, approach to appreciative inquiry has been used not to identify positive narratives so much as to surface potential disagreements and develop empathy and deeper insight which could lead to systemic change.
Prof Dan Bristow reflects on the importance of relationships, context and integrating different types of knowledge so that research findings can be applied with impact.
A response from NIHR HDRC Doncaster providing an operational overview of their current position regarding ethics processes.
This case study explores Birmingham City Council's City Observatory, a pioneering data platform established to create a single source of truth about the city, its communities, and public services. Through examining the programme's development, we see how breaking down data silos and making insights accessible can transform decision making in local government.
10 NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaborations present reflections on the planning, delivery and interpretation of baseline assessments of research capacity, capability and culture.
There is often an assumption in evidence based policy, that evidence means the findings of quantitative studies or randomised control trials. However, in practice evidence is often understood differently. Drawing on a study of Welsh policy actors, Eleanor MacKillop and James Downe highlight four different approaches to evidence in policymaking and suggest how researchers and policy organisations might use these findings to engage differently with policy.
The Faculty of Public Health has published a new policy paper, Data for Everyone’s Health, which explores the challenges and opportunities in how public health intelligence can be harnessed to improve health and reduce inequalities across the UK. The paper considers how the use of modern technologies, data, and analysis can be further developed to help deliver more effective interventions and also identifies some of the barriers to progress.
Professor Andrew Booth, embedded researcher with HDRC Doncaster has developed a practical, easy-to-use poster full of useful tips to support local government officers in finding high-quality evidence to shape and inform policies. This resource helps you to identify reliable sources of information and navigate the search process with confidence.
Dr. Domiziana Turcatti, Local Authority Research Practitioner from Gloucestershire County Council et al's paper examines the barriers Bangladeshi and Pakistani women in London face in pursuing their career aspirations and accessing good work. The publication describes the use of an innovative community research fellowship scheme to enhance community engagement and to demonstrate the potential of participatory research to embed lived experience in policy making.