What do we mean by ‘research’ in a local authority context? �� Is “I’ll know it when I see it” good enough?
Professor Andrew Booth (Professor in Evidence Synthesis, University of Sheffield)
Dr Louise Hayes (Research Design Lead, NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health)
Laura Brown (Research Programme Manager, NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health)
Email: nihr.rss.publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk
Who we are:
Louise Hayes
Laura Brown
Andrew Booth
Objectives of the Workshop
Research Or Evaluation, Which?
Instructions
Take the provided resource cards representing different research and/or evaluation methods. Place each card in the column that best represents its typical use.
Sort each method into one of three columns:
Conclusion from Exercise 1 - Card Sort
THEREFORE:
What do you think that is?
What Does “Research” Mean To You?
“Research” WordCloud
https://livecloud.online/join/RXHA
How to participate?
1 Go to LiveCloud.online
2 Enter RXHA in the code field
3 Enter your name
4 Click on join
Conclusion from Exercise 2 - Word Cloud
What Is Research?�
Typically Pre-Specified Methods and Analysis
Verifiable Results
Systematic
Value extends beyond its Original Context
Generation of New Knowledge
Explicit Aims and Objectives
Not simply Data Collection
Not simply Number Crunching
Structured
Ethical
Accountable
Introduction to definition of Research and Decision Tool
Definition of LA research context
Why do we need a consensus definition of research?
Enables research capacity building and organisational development
Easier to talk about research with colleagues (internal and external)
Starting point (or aide to further development) for research governance and research ethics processes
Project origins
Two projects:
Definition of research in local authorities consensus exercise
Discussions around research and research activity in local authorities
Increasing focus on research governance and research ethics processes in local authorities
Developing research infrastructure for local authorities
What we did
Adapted Delphi method
Advantages of Delphi method:
What we did
Recruitment summary
Consensus definition
Local authority research supports decision making about practice, policies and interventions at a local, regional or national level
It helps us understand how people are impacted by the context in which they live, work and go about their daily lives.
Research uses structured, organised and reproducible methods to:
and / or
and / or
Guidance and decision tool
Thank you to:
Delphi panellists and everyone who signed up
Project Steering Committee
Specialist Centre for Public Health Newcastle and Southampton colleagues
Next Steps
Collecting feedback on the definition and guidance document
We need your help in testing it out in your setting!
Email your comments and feedback to: nihr.rss.publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk
Worked examples of the decision tool
Decision tool- worked example 1
Proposed activity:
Repositioning food and drinks to increase the accessibility of healthy foods and decrease the accessibility of unhealthy foods within a local authority school setting.
Decision tool- worked example 1
Proposed activity:
Repositioning food and drinks to increase the accessibility of healthy foods and decrease the accessibility of unhealthy foods within a local authority school setting
The aim of the project is to determine whether creating a healthier eating environment in this way could be an effective strategy for promoting healthier eating behaviours which should be adopted across schools within the area.
Decision tool- worked example 1
Proposed activity:
Repositioning food and drinks to increase the accessibility of healthy foods and decrease the accessibility of unhealthy foods within a local authority school setting
The aim of the project is to determine whether creating a healthier eating environment in this way could be an effective strategy for promoting healthier eating behaviours which should be adopted across schools within the area.
Unidentifiable purchasing data from the two schools involved in the project were collected for set time-periods before, during and after the intervention.
Decision tool- worked example 1
Proposed activity:
Repositioning food and drinks to increase the accessibility of healthy foods and decrease the accessibility of unhealthy foods within a local authority school setting
The aim of the project is to determine whether creating a healthier eating environment in this way could be an effective strategy for promoting healthier eating behaviours which should be adopted across schools within the area.
Unidentifiable purchasing data from the two schools involved in the project were collected for set time-periods before, during and after the intervention.
The amounts of healthy and unhealthy food items purchased during the selected time periods were analysed using recognised statistical techniques.
Decision tool- worked example 1
‘within a local authority school setting’
Decision tool- worked example 1
‘The aim of the project is to determine whether creating a healthier eating environment in this way could be an effective strategy for promoting healthier eating behaviours which should be adopted across schools within the area’
Decision tool- worked example 1
‘Unidentifiable purchasing data from the two schools involved in the project were collected for set time-periods before, during and after the intervention ’
Decision tool- worked example 1
The amounts of healthy and unhealthy food items purchased during the selected time periods were analysed using recognised statistical techniques.’
Decision tool- worked example 1
Decision tool- worked example 2
Proposed activity:
Review of open spaces provision within a local authority area.
Decision tool- worked example 2
Proposed activity:
Review of open spaces provision within a local authority area.
A survey on local needs and a review of existing information and consultation around open spaces will be conducted.
Decision tool- worked example 2
Proposed activity:
Review of open spaces provision within a local authority area.
A survey on local needs and a review of existing information and consultation around open spaces will be conducted.
An audit of local open space provision will be conducted.
Decision tool- worked example 2
Proposed activity:
Review of open spaces provision within a local authority area.
A survey on local needs and a review of existing information and consultation around open spaces will be conducted.
An audit of local open space provision will be conducted.
The project will provide the council with up-to-date information on green space location, coverage and provision.
Decision tool- worked example 2
‘review of open spaces provision within a local authority area’
Decision tool- worked example 2
‘The project will provide the council with up-to-date information on green space location, coverage and provision’
Decision tool- worked example 2
‘The project will provide the council with up-to-date information on green space location, coverage and provision’
Decision tool- worked example 2
Will your proposed work provide a new interpretation of existing information?
(includes routinely collected data being used for a new purpose, as well as publicly available data)
‘The project will provide the council with up-to-date information on green space location, coverage and provision’
Decision tool- worked example 2
Groupwork
The Lakeside Project: A Local Authority Peer-Led Recovery Programme Evaluation (See Sheet)
Peer-led recovery programme developed by a local Drug and Alcohol Action Team. Devised in response to high substance misuse rates and service gaps.
Programme offered befriending, skills training, family support, signposting, employment advice, and user-led activities including cooking classes, fishing clubs, and music groups.
A local health partnership conducted an evaluation commissioned by the project's management committee. Evaluation employed mixed quantitative and qualitative methods, including standard assessment tools, routine monitoring data, and feedback from service users and volunteers.
Purpose of evaluation: to inform local decision-making and provide practical recommendations for service improvement. Evaluation prioritised stakeholder engagement and operational improvements.
Produced final report with service statistics, participant feedback, and recommendations for expansion across the local authority area.
How would you convert this Evaluation project into a fundable Research project?
e.g. Title: The Lakeside Project: A Local Authority Investigation into Peer-Led Recovery Approaches
………………
Collect a Crib Sheet on Your Way Out
Thank you!
You Have Been Watching!
Professor Andrew Booth (Professor in Evidence Synthesis, University of Sheffield)
Dr Louise Hayes, (Research Design Lead, NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health)
Laura Brown, (Research Programme Manager, NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health)
Email: nihr.rss.publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk