HDRC Leicestershire public voice

We work with Leicestershire communities to improve health inequalities in our region through research. Learn how to get involved and be engaged in shaping HDRC Leicestershire, as well as opportunities to participate in our research.

HDRC Leicestershire is built on the principle that improving health requires understanding and addressing the wider determinants of health such as:

  • housing
  • education
  • employment
  • environment
  • social connections

These determinants affect people’s lives in deeply personal and localised ways. Without hearing directly from those most affected, research risks being disconnected from real community needs.

Public and Community Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PCIEP)

The collaboration between local authorities, academic partners and public services is based on the voices of the communities we serve.

PCIEP helps us:

  • strengthen the legitimacy and impact of HDRC research
  • support the translation of evidence into policies and services that communities recognise as meaningful
  • contribute to reducing health inequalities by working with diverse communities

Current involvement

Public Advisory Group (PAG)

Our PAG consists of 8 members from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and viewpoints to better represent the communities as a whole. We are having inclusive dialogues, co-producing and shaping policy and practice that truly reflect the needs and values of our communities. Each PAG member is involved in a different HDRC area and feeds into current and future work, ensuring it's co-produced from the beginning.

Meet our PAG PDF, 1.75 MB Opens new window

Community Research Champions

Community Research Champions (CRCs) are local volunteers who help connect communities with HDRC Leicestershire. Their purpose is to ensure that research is informed by the experiences, priorities and needs of local people, particularly those whose voices are not always heard. 

CRCs will:

  • listen to local communities and gather insight about the issues linked to the wider determinants of health
  • help shape research priorities by bringing lived experience and community perspectives into discussions 
  • raise awareness of research opportunities and encourage engagement
  • create and strengthen relationships with residents, voluntary organisations and local networks
  • report on community issues and themes to help HDRC Leicestershire understand local challenges and opportunities

CRCs help ensure that research is done with communities. Their contribution helps HDRC Leicestershire develop research that is grounded in real-life experiences, supports meaningful public involvement, and contributes to reducing health inequalities across Leicestershire.

Get involved

Keep up with the latest HDRC Leicestershire news - sign up to our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn

If you represent a community group and would like a visit, please email sacha.webb@leics.gov.uk

National opportunities