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:
Steven 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 readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue readingRead some reflections from ALLIANCE colleagues, who had the opportunity to sponsor and attend Scotland's Annual Human Rights Conference.
Continue reading