Overview

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In south east London, the SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance is leading the next phase of the REN work, bringing a stronger focus on community leadership, equity and system change. We know that too often, research does not reflect the communities it is meant to serve. People facing the greatest health inequalities - including those affected by poverty, structural racism, disability, or exclusion - are less likely to be meaningfully involved. As a result, research can unintentionally reinforce inequalities rather than reduce them.

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REN is about changing that.

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This programme is working to build a model where communities shape research priorities, design and delivery - and where the knowledge, relationships and insight held within the VCSE sector are recognised as central to the system.

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A national programme, delivered locally

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REN is part of the NHS Research Engagement Network Development Programme, delivered across England. Each area is responsible for developing its own approach based on local need. In south east London, this work is being led through the SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance, working in partnership with:

• High Trees (lead delivery partner)
• South East London Integrated Care Board
• King’s Health Partners
• NIHR Research Delivery Network

Together, we are developing a SEL-wide model that connects community networks, VCSE organisations and research institutions in a more meaningful and sustainable way.

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Building on previous work

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This is the next phase of REN in south east London.

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Previous phases were led by VCSE partners including Mabadiliko CIC, who established important foundations for community engagement in research.

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This year is a transition year - moving the programme into the SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance to:

• Create a more coordinated, borough-wide approach
• Build on existing local networks and good practice
• Focus on developing the infrastructure needed for long-term sustainability

The emphasis is not on starting from scratch, but on strengthening what exists and making it work at scale across South East London.

What do we mean by underserved communities?

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When we talk about underserved communities, we mean people who are:

• Less likely to be included in research participation
• Facing barriers such as language, trust, time, digital access or financial constraints
• Experiencing poorer health outcomes and inequalities
• Often engaged in ways that are extractive rather than collaborative

These communities already hold vital knowledge about what works - but are rarely given the power or resources to shape research decisions.

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REN is about ensuring research is grounded in community knowledge priorities, not just institutional agendas.

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What we are trying to change

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For the Alliance, this work is about more than increasing participation.

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It is about changing how the system works.

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Currently:

• Research is often designed without early community input
• Funding for involvement (PPIE) sits mainly with institutions
• VCSE organisations are brought in late or in limited roles

Through REN, we are working towards a model where:

• Communities are involved from the start of the research process
• Resources for community involvement are directed into VCSE networks
• Relationships between researchers and communities are more equal and transparent
• Research leads to real, measurable improvements in people’s lives

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What we are doing (2026–2027)

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This phase of the programme focuses on building the foundations for long-term change.

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Strengthening coordination across the system

High Trees is leading programme delivery on behalf of the Alliance - connecting VCSE partners, researchers and system stakeholders to create a shared approach.

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Supporting better research practice

We are working directly with researchers to improve understanding of:

• Ethical community engagement
• Meaningful involvement (PPIE)
• Transparency about what communities can and cannot influence

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Building VCSE capacity and leadership

We are supporting borough-based VCSE Alliance Leads to:

• Understand and engage with research systems
• Advocate for their communities
• Connect local organisations to opportunities
• Shape what good community research looks like in practice

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Creating spaces for dialogue and partnership

Community events across South East London will bring together:

• VCSE organisations and networks
• Researchers and institutions

These spaces are designed to build trust, shared understanding and new relationships.

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Laying the foundations for a sustainable model

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We will co-develop a Community Research Charter and explore how community involvement can be sustainably funded - including how research funding flows into VCSE networks over time.

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Our approach

This work is grounded in a few core principles:

• Build on what exists — using established VCSE networks and relationships
• Focus on quality — prioritising meaningful engagement over volume
• Be realistic — recognising the limits of a short delivery period
• Think long term — designing for sustainability beyond this programme

The aim is to create the conditions for a lasting shift in how research and communities work together.

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What success looks like

By the end of this phase, we expect to see:

• Stronger relationships between communities, VCSE organisations and researchers
• Increased awareness of research opportunities across diverse communities
• VCSE leaders more confident in supporting and shaping research activity
• A shared understanding of what ethical, community-led research looks like
• Clear foundations for a sustainable, SEL-wide model

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