Driving equity in research – Research Engagement Network
The Research Engagement Network (REN) is part of a national NHSE funded programme. It aims to improve diversity in research by increasing participation from communities who have been under-represented historically.
Impact
- 500+ individuals involved covering training, events, research cafes and community listeners.
- Fostered regional collaboration, increasing shared knowledge and joint working across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
- Increased awareness of REN and how to participate in research.
- Locally tailored resources to support inclusion of diverse communities.
- Democratic process to support engagement of Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) and diverse communities in research.
- Research cafes operational across 15+ sites.
Project summary
REN works to ensure that research is more inclusive, representative, and ultimately more impactful. Across its first two phases, the programme aimed to deepen collaboration between researchers, communities and VCSE organisations.
In 2024/2025, we have been running REN3 and REN4. The REN3 project focuses on knowledge exchange and regional alignment between the Devon, Somerset and Cornwall RENs. We are celebrating communities, making research more visible, both within the VCSE sector and among the public, and increasing spread by broadening engagement with VCSE organisations that work with those who are under-represented in research.
REN4 aims to increase diversity specifically in mental health research. Our programme is building local capacity and capability for representative research by recognising the specific mental health experiences and challenges in coastal and rural regions, such as deeply isolated areas, limited public transport and poor digital infrastructure.
Through initiatives like community research cafes, shared learning events, and tailored training and resource materials, including a rural and coastal toolkit, we are fostering collaboration and involvement across the region, empowering communities to actively shape the future of research.
Rationale
There is a critical gap in the diversity of research participants. In Devon, key groups such as Children and Young People (CYP), men, ethnically diverse communities, those in rural or coastal areas, and individuals living in deprivation remain significantly under-represented in mental health research. This under-representation skews research findings and limits the relevance of research-driven innovations.
For patients: Inclusive research ensures services are designed to meet the needs of the whole population.
For researchers and the system: Diverse participation produces findings that are applicable and actionable for all communities—not just the majority.
For mental health outcomes: Engaging varied lived experiences leads to more effective interventions, reducing reliance on crisis services and improving long-term mental wellbeing.
Key stakeholders
- Health Innovation South West have been responsible for programme management and governance, ensuring the programmes were delivered on time, to budget and with the intended impact.
- Other stakeholders are Devon Integrated Care Board, National Institute of Health and Care Research South West Peninsula Regional Research Delivery Network, National Institute of Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula, Devon Mental Health Alliance,One Devon, Devon County Council, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Livewell Southwest and Torbay Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly.
Next steps
REN3 has been extended until July 2025 and will seek to engage Primary Care in research. REN4 will close in August 2025.
The Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly has been fully engaged at all stages of this REN project. At strategic/Board level we have had our voice heard, and we were fully engaged at an operational level from the earliest stage of development and delivery. The resultant training opportunities for the VCSE were extremely well received and over-subscribed. The setting up of a VCSE Community of Practice, the dashboard and associated guidance notes were developed through full consultation with the VCSE sector. We believe these innovations should be shared as examples of good practice across the wider system.
Diana Crump, Independent Chair, Torbay, Plymouth & Devon VCSE Assembly
