What collaborative or participatory research offers…
- Written by: Kerry Musselbrook — Iriss — Project Manager
- Published: 8th May 2019
Collaborating for Impact. The difference third sector and academic research partnerships can make.
More collaborative and participatory approaches to research is something that I think we need more of – combining the strengths of academic or ‘professional researchers’ and people with lived experience. It makes for better research and greater application and impact, I think.
The third sector can be a useful route to involving people with lived experience in research and evidence production, either as user-led organisations themselves or through their community links.
Let’s be clear on what collaborative and participatory approaches offer. For one, involving people traditionally seen as ‘ subjects’ of research as active agents, shaping the agenda/research questions, the inquiry process and (ideally) subsequent recommendations and actions, with potential for co-delivery of these. This recognises their expertise as partners in ‘all of it’ and contributes to more active democracy and better use of evidence.
Participatory research in particular has potential to bring in marginalised and unheard groups to inform and influence policy and practice, albeit this remains a challenge. If research depends on funding, then funders have a large part to play in determining what is funded – and whose agenda, voices and ideas are heard! We need more programmes like the DRILL one. Disability Research on Independent Living and Learning is an innovative 5 year UK-wide Programme which will end August 2020. It’s led by disabled people, for disabled people and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), promoting coproduction and collaboration between disabled people and their organisations, academia, research bodies and policy makers.
So, to end…I began my career as traditional ‘expert’ researcher in the social sciences. However, time, experience and reflection have challenged lazy and easy notions around researcher neutrality and objectivity that uphold: either too privileged a position for the researcher – the one who analyses and authors any ‘recommendations’ responding to a funder’s agenda; or connected to that, too ineffectual a position! It’s not quite as simple as all that, of course, but you get my drift….
Come along to the Third Sector Research Forum conference (this link will take you away from our website) on the 9th October, to be inspired and learn from others who are using collaborative approaches to achieve real impact!
Find out more and read Louise Bowen’s piece on How to get involved in the Third Sector Research Forum conference.
End of page.
You may also like:
Chloe Craig reflects on how we have helped connect Scotland’s lived experience voice to conversations happening beyond our borders.
Continue readingDr Irene Oldfather reflects on two decades of growth, collaboration, and person centred impact across Scotland and beyond.
Continue readingDisabled people are some of those who suffer most in crises but are ignored in planning. Our 6-step model builds justice throughout.
Continue readingMaisie Peebles shares her experience working with Aberdeenshire Public Health Team on a ‘digital conversations’ project.
Continue readingSara Redmond, ALLIANCE Chief Officer, on why the Scottish Government and parties must seize the opportunity for change.
Continue readingDirector of the Links programme, Roseann, discusses why we need to focus on person centred care, and why the programme is central to this.
Continue readingReflections on the ALLIANCE Integration in Action: Inclusive Leadership event.
Continue readingWhat does The Scottish Report tell us about how we're supporting people with inflammatory mediated autoimmune conditions (IMIDs)?
Continue readingAvril McLean from Action from ME shares new resources designed to support professionals understand the impact of ME on people's lives.
Continue readingMandy Wright from Home Energy Scotland shares how partnerships positively impact their work.
Continue readingToo many young people are falling through the mental health support gap. How do we fix the "Missing Middle"?
Continue readingJoe McCready from Carers UK shares how important their annual survey is, and why it is invaluable for unpaid carers to have their say.
Continue readingColette reflects on the last 12 years of the Community Links Worker programme, as well as her own experience of being a CLW.
Continue readingWith the current World Cup, gambling presents an even higher risk. How can we prevent young people from getting tangled in this web?
Continue readingDr Anthony McMahon reflects on the importance of the Community Links Worker within his GP surgery - and why it makes all the difference.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, the Integration Team highlight the importance of our Connected Communities series.
Continue readingTo mark ‘What matters to you?’ Day, The ALLIANCE's Barbara Flynn considers the impact of Tommy Whitelaw’s talks for nurses and midwives.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Humans of Scotland project works to challenge stigma.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on post election feelings and Scotland’s future.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, reflects on our Annual Conference 2026 and how we're turning hope into action.
Continue readingALLIANCE member, Catherine, shares the importance of initiatives like 'What Matters To You?' Day in promoting person centred care.
Continue readingLearn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue reading