Bradford Health Determinants Research Collaboration

Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Bradford is part of the Health Determinants Research Collaborations | NIHR and hosted by Bradford Council, in collaboration with our partners, Bradford Institute of Health research, Bradford University, Leeds University and University of York.

The aim of the Bradford HDRC programme is to sustainably transform the council, so it becomes evidence-led, and data driven, at all levels of decision-making to improve the wider determinants of health and reduce health inequalities.

The determinants of health refers to social, economic and environmental factors that can effect the health of people in our communities, such as housing, poverty, education, social care, access to green spaces, diet, and the air we breathe. Our research is focused on these topics, with the aim of understanding how these factors influence the health of Bradford residents and what policies can be put in place to improve health and reduce inequalities.

Our vision is for Bradford Council to be a local authority leader in generating and using research to support decision making and democratic accountability. We will transform our understanding of what works best for who so that we make better and more cost-effective decisions, improve services and improve the health of all our citizens and communities.

Our areas of work

The Bradford HDRC programme is divided into five key areas of work, each with its own areas of expertise and responsibility but working collaboratively to deliver our objectives.

The Evidence Into Policy and Practice Hub

To reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people across our District, we need our policies, services and practices to be informed by the best available research and evidence.  The Evidence into Policy and Practice Hub (EPPH) has been created to provide this research.  The Hub is a collaboration between the Council and University of York. Three university of York academic researchers from The York Policy Engine (TYPE), experts in areas of social policy, work as embedded researchers within the Council. They work with officers, elected members and our communities to produce the research and evidence and, crucially, build this into policy and practice.

Data

The Data Science team is dedicated to embedding best data science practices within the Council. Our team boasts extensive experience in routine data linkage, machine learning, applied AI, public health data, and data visualization. We are passionate about open data and ensuring that decision-making processes are presented in an accessible and transparent manner. 

Research Best Practice

Our Research Best Practice strand works with Council colleagues to ensure that any research they conduct is high quality, valid and credible. The team of researchers can help colleagues ensure that they have clear and specific research questions, provide guidance on conducting thorough literature reviews, decide on appropriate methodologies, and ensure that research is conducted ethically and with adherence to data governance.

Co-Production

Co-production is at the heart of the Bradford HDRC and means involving and working with local communities and stakeholders where everyone has equal voice and equal benefit.  

 Our aim is to strengthen and embed ‘community voice’ in evidence led decision making in the local authority, through developing the necessary partnerships, infrastructure, governance, and resources.

Training and Development

HDRC Bradford’s Training and Development strand supports our staff and stakeholders to understand and use research and evidence in their work.  Through online learning courses, webinars, bespoke training session and our Community of Research events, we provide the tools for our colleagues to apply research skills both personally and professionally.