Join us in person to kick off the Staff Social Research Network at Manchester City Council!

Do you have an interest in using evidence, research, data, or lived experience to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for residents and communities?

Are you interested in generating and using evidence to inform decisions, services, and policies?

Are you looking to connect with colleagues across the Council who share an interest in research, data, evidence and innovation?

If so, we'd love you to join us for the launch of Manchester City Council's Staff Social Research Group.

Manchester City Council has a range of groups organised by you, our employees, and they are all open to new members. The groups give you the chance to socialise with like-minded people and help to support your wellbeing.

Hosted by the Manchester Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), the Social Research Group is a welcoming, cross-Council community of practice for staff who are interested in any aspects of social research, evidence-informed decision making, the wider determinants of health, and improving outcomes for Manchester's residents. Whether you're an experienced researcher, use evidence in your role, or are simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome!

The Network will meet quarterly for 2-hour network sessions. Our first session is taking place in person at Friends Meeting House. Lunch will be provided from 1pm and the event will start at 1:30pm.

At our launch event, you'll hear about the work of the HDRC, explore opportunities to get involved in research across the Council, network with colleagues from different services and research organisations.

How will I benefit from joining the network?

· Meet colleagues with shared interests in research and evidence.

· Learn about research and development opportunities.

· Explore how research can support your work and service priorities.

· Share ideas, questions and experiences in an informal and supportive environment.

· Gain formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

· Find out how you can get involved in the HDRC and wider research activities.

How will this benefit Manchester City Council services?

You participation in the network will:

· Embed a stronger evidence-informed culture across Manchester City Council.

· Build connections across services to address complex issues and inequalities collaboratively.

· Increase our ability to use data, research and evaluation to improve outcomes for residents.

· Develop staff capability and establish Manchester as a research-active local authority. We know from evidence that research-active organisations deliver better services and outputs than those that are not.

To express your interest or find out more, please contact:

Charlotte Ashworth and Rachel Hawkins via socialresearchgroup@manchester.gov.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the HDRC

Manchester HDRC is the Health Determinants Research Collaboration Manchester, a 5-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is a partnership hosted by Manchester City Council alongside the University of Manchester and the local community.

Core Purpose

Evidence-Based Policy: Uses local research to shape council decisions, investments, and city planning.

Wider Determinants: Focuses on non-medical factors affecting wellbeing, such as housing, poverty, employment, and the environment.

Community Co-Production: Involves local residents and marginalised groups directly in designing and carrying out research based on their lived experiences.

More info at Health Determinants Research Collaboration Manchester | Manchester City Council

Description supplied by the event organiser.