Sandwell launches research collaboration to tackle health inequalities

Sandwell Council has launched its five-year Better Research for Better Health programme, bringing in £5 million funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The Council said the programme will improve how it does research, how it uses it to make decisions and how it communicates findings to others and said this will help to ensure that local services meet the needs of residents, give good value for money, and support the council’s goals.

It is one of 30 Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) in the UK and is a partnership between Sandwell Council, Birmingham University and the voluntary sector, represented by Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Sandwell Consortium.

The launch event on Wednesday was attended by Sandwell Council officers, as well as the Chief Executive and Cabinet Members, and others, including University research partners, regional public health bodies, and Sandwell voluntary sector organisations. 

The event focussed on how Sandwell and its partners can collaborate to improve people’s health in the borough. 

Shokat Lal, Chief Executive of Sandwell Council, said: “The HDRC will help to strengthen how we use research and evidence to make decisions, considering the needs and values of our diverse communities. 

"This will help to ensure that services are prioritised to support those most in need, support us to get value for money and deliver our Council Plan.”

Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jackie Taylor, said: “The Health Determinants Research Collaboration team will be delivering community engagement roadshows within each of the six towns in Spring 2025. 

"These roadshows will offer the opportunity for Sandwell residents to learn more about the programme and how they can be involved. “

For more information on the Health Determinants Research Collaboration, or to get involved, go to sandwell.gov.uk/HDRC/