Govanhill Community Engagement

This project aims to develop community engagement strategies between academic researchers and community groups. It is noted that although social science researchers already work in communities alongside community groups, mechanisms for adequate exchange of knowledge are not currently in place for this to happen. For this reason, community groups are not able to take advantage of the relevant evidence base.

The separation of their work from research also means that they do not have knowledge of progress in their field. This disengagement of researchers from community groups may also lead to knowledge being presented in isolation from the community and with none, or very little, input from them. This project aims to overcome such disengagement, and encourage and promote an environment of learning through exchange between the two groups.

It is proposed that an advisory group consisting of equal numbers of community group members and researchers is set up to oversee and guide the proposed mechanisms for engagement. A series of seminars is proposed to enable this exchange to happen, where researchers will be able to present fresh research proposals, and community group members will have the opportunity to make suggestions for improved methodology. Preliminary findings and final outcomes will be presented, with questions and answers from the public also addressed. Such an approach would be more conducive to the co-production of knowledge and by its nature be more useful and better targeted to the needs of community groups.

It is also proposed that local media be used to publicise research projects and that short reports of the presentations be situated on community group websites for wider dissemination.

The project also aims to bring together researchers from different universities who are working in the area, for interchange of ideas and exchange of information through regular coffee mornings. This may assist in avoiding any duplication of effort, time and resources. Researchers would have opportunities to share any tools and tips which may enhance their project.

A participating research establishment may become known amongst the third sector as one that engages and works with the community and is keen to present findings that are co-produced with their communities.

It is anticipated that after the project is completed, these activities may be adopted by the groups and researchers within the area to continue and develop further such community engagement.

Community groups within the third sector will benefit from enhanced community engagement strategies. The proposed seminar series will provide regular opportunities for their members to interact with researchers, to ask questions and to make suggestions to the research project, rendering the final outcomes of the research of more relevance to the community groups. If members are better able to understand the research and also take some ownership of it they will be more likely to use the evidence base to guide their work and to enhance their work for the community.

Private sector groups that are in partnership with community groups, such as in social enterprises, will also benefit. Engagement with research will mean that the community group is sourcing credible and reliable information and will be more likely receive funding to continue with partnership working.

There are opportunities also for the public sector to benefit, with initial key participants detailed in the Case for Support. The means of co-production of knowledge could assist practitioners and policymakers in adapting or producing policies that would be of greater relevance and practical implementation for community group members.