Community Research Champions Initiative Recognised for Driving Diversity in Health Research
Community Research Champions Initiative Recognised for Driving Diversity in Health Research
Embedded Files
Our NHSE funded Empowering Communities: Increasing Diversity in Northwest London’s Health Research initiative has been named a finalist for the 2025 British Diversity Awards in the Community Project of the Year category. The awards celebrate initiatives driving inclusivity and meaningful change across the UK. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, hosted by June Sarpong OBE and Dr Ranj Singh.
About the Community Research Champions Project
About the Community Research Champions Project
The Community Research Champions (CRC) initiative, part of our Ethnicity and Health Unit, was established to tackle the underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups in health research. Through strong partnerships with local communities, the initiative builds trust and increases participation in research to ensure that findings are inclusive, equitable, and representative.
Key achievements include:
Having trained and empowered 30 Community Research Champions to engage local communities in research awareness and participation.
Delivering 28 Community Health Roadshows across four London boroughs, engaging 2,728 community members. Of these, 1,200 received health checks, and 192 signed up to participate in health research studies – achieving a 12% conversion rate.
Building trust through community partnerships, collaborating with grassroots organisations, faith groups, and local leaders to break systemic barriers.
Establishing a Partnership Forum, led by independent chairs, ensuring that underrepresented groups, patient voices, and healthcare professionals influence research priorities.
Addressing barriers for children and young people in health research, focusing on improving engagement and tackling infrastructure challenges.
Ganesh Sathyamoorthy, Assistant Director at NIHR ARC NWL and Deputy Director of the Ethnicity & Health Unit at Imperial College London, said:
“Being shortlisted for the British Diversity Awards is a testament to the dedication of our Community Research Champions and the power of community-led research. Addressing health inequalities requires meaningful engagement and collaboration, and this recognition reinforces the impact of our work in creating a more inclusive research landscape.”
Creating a Lasting Impact
Creating a Lasting Impact
The CRC initiative has successfully built community trust, gathering 785 feedback responses, with 95% of participants valuing health research, 92% understanding it, and 75% willing to participate. Tailored, borough-specific interventions have further strengthened engagement.
Recognised in the Marmot Report on Structural Racism, the CRC project has influenced national research efforts and secured nearly £500,000 in funding from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. This investment supports voluntary, community, and social enterprise groups and creates local opportunities, helping to make the initiative impactful and sustainable.
Page updated
Report abuse