Spotlight on the latest HDRC Community of Research Event
Bradford Council’s Community of Research is a growing community of practice led by HDRC Bradford that brings together council staff who are interested in using research and evidence in their everyday work, helping them connect with peers, build skills and share insights. Our latest event in December brought colleagues together for an energising morning of shared learning, fresh perspectives and inspiring research journeys.
Caroline Brundle, Senior Research Fellow at the Bradford Institute for Health Research, led a session on the INCLUDE study, a Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust/University of Leeds project. The project aims to: develop an inclusive way of identifying older people who are digitally excluded; explore older people’s views of the internet and what might help them get online; adapt available digital support so it addresses a wide range of needs; and test this new approach with a group of older people. The study is supported by The Dunhill Medical Trust's funding stream for interventions targeting the social determinants of healthy older age.
Kirsty Shires, Team Leader in the Dept of Adult Social Care ＆ Health, reflected on her completed Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (PLAF), which examined the employment experiences of South Asian women living in the Bradford District. Her systematic scoping review highlighted the importance of cultural identity, intersectionality and the need for culturally informed supervision and mentorship within social work practice.
Rob Shore, Data Manager in HDRC, introduced his new PLAF project exploring how data visualisation can support local authority decision making. Working with Bradford’s Clean Air Zone team, he aims to develop best practice approaches for presenting complex data in ways that strengthen policy and improve outcomes.
Both speakers demonstrated the impact of practitioner led research in shaping evidence based services and reducing inequalities. Read more about the NIHR’s practitioner funding opportunities.
Why practitioner academics matter
Research active organisations consistently deliver better outcomes, and supporting practitioner research helps to:
- Enhance service quality and governance
- Attract and retain talented colleagues
- Drive innovation and transformation
Looking ahead
This CoR highlighted the strength of our research community and the wealth of opportunities available. Whether you’re considering your first research idea or exploring fellowship options, HDRC is here to help Council officers take the next step. For our external readers, if you have research experience that could benefit our practitioners and colleagues, we would be delighted to feature your work at an upcoming CoR event. Presenting research and experiences offers a chance to share expertise, build networks, and support evidence-driven practice across the Bradford District.