.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Understanding existing research culture and capacity in a local authority (LA) and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise(VCFSE) in one area of the South West, United Kingdom: a qualitative baseline study
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
J
J
J
O
O
E
E
A
A
F
A
J
R
B
L
H
A
DOI：10.1186/s12961-026-01498-x.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Local authorities play a pivotal role in addressing health inequalities and inequities by tackling their underlying social determinants – the fundamental building blocks of health. Research is therefore vital to ensure that decisions are evidence-based and tailored to population needs. Health Determinants Research Collaborations offer an opportunity to build research capacity and culture within local authorities and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) settings; however, an understanding of existing research practices and culture is required. Our study aimed to gather a baseline understanding of this within these settings in Somerset, United Kingdom. We utilized a multiple-methods qualitative study design. A total of 46 local authority employees took part in focus groups (n = 12) and in semistructured interviews (n = 1). An additional 18 participants from local VCFSE organizations took part in focus groups (n = 1), interviews (n = 8) and through completion of an online qualitative survey (n = 4). Using framework analysis, we identified four themes across the local authority and VCFSE datasets: (i) perceptions and value of research and evaluation; (ii) community participation in research and evaluation; (iii) utilization of data and evidence; and (iv) research and evaluation training needs. We found clear differences between the local authority and VCFSE sectors in how they define, use and resource research. Participants in both sectors described research as highly valued, but many equated it primarily with data collection and application, rather than with the delivery of rigorous academic research studies. Participants emphasised the need to integrate lived‑experience data more effectively into decision‑making. They suggested this integration is achievable through stronger community involvement structures and closer collaboration with the VCFSE sector. Although the local authority often draws on quantitative data to inform decision‑making, there was a recognized need for making greater use of qualitative data. Additionally, participants reported that challenges with data usability and data‑sharing processes and the lack of integrated datasets limit their ability to fully use available evidence. Finally, participants identified a broad range of research and evaluation training needs, particularly training that supports participatory approaches, mixed‑methods data collection and analysis, and evidence interpretation and application. Our findings demonstrate the complexities of building research capacity and culture within local authority and VCFSE settings and highlight significant opportunities for collaboration and influence on organizational and system decisions. The identification of levers and barriers to research within these settings offers novel insights for future funders, policy-makers, researchers and practitioners seeking to build research capabilities and culture.
Keywords:
Research culture
Research capacity
Community participation
Local authority
Health determinants
Health inequalities
Research systems
Journal
IF:
3.2
Papers:
1.8K
Citations:
4.9K
Organization
Cited Papers