Research works best when communities are not just invited to take part, but are genuinely involved in shaping it. That is why Community Research Champions (CRCs) play such an important role — bringing research closer to people’s everyday lives, building trust, and helping ensure a wider range of voices are heard.
In April 2026, we brought together our Community Research Champions to reflect on their experiences of engaging communities in research. The conversation highlighted what has worked well, the challenges they have faced, and what needs to happen next to make research participation more inclusive.
The power of connection
One of the strongest messages from the session was that relationships matter.
CRCs spoke about how rewarding it has been to meet different people, hear their experiences and connect with communities in meaningful ways. The variety of projects was seen as a real strength, allowing Community Research Champions to bring their own knowledge, interests and lived experience into the work.
Many CRCs found that their own backgrounds, skills and networks helped open doors. Being able to communicate in different languages, understand cultural contexts and approach people through trusted relationships made a real difference.
As one Champion reflected, when people are passionate about something, they are more likely to get involved and want to do more.
Trust comes first
A major theme throughout the discussion was trust.
For many people, sharing personal information or signing up to research can feel like a big step. CRCs described situations where community members questioned whether requests were genuine or wondered what would happen with their information. Building trust often meant taking time to explain the purpose of research and showing people the difference their contribution could make.
The Champions found that people responded better when conversations focused on listening and understanding, rather than simply asking for data. Making research relevant to people’s lives was key.
Real examples of research making a difference helped too. Sharing stories and showing how previous research had influenced communities helped people see that their voices could lead to change.
Removing barriers to participation
While enthusiasm for research was there, practical barriers often got in the way.
CRCs highlighted that lengthy forms, requests for lots of personal information and complicated registration processes could discourage people from taking part. Some community members were uncomfortable providing details such as contact details or demographic information, particularly when they did not yet understand why it was needed.
The message was clear: participation needs to be simple.
Making forms shorter, reducing unnecessary questions and supporting people through the process would make research opportunities more accessible. CRCs also suggested that they could play a bigger role in helping people register, rather than expecting community members to navigate the process alone.
Creating spaces where people feel welcome
The Champions also reminded us that engagement is not only about information — it is about creating the right environment.
Community events, trusted spaces and informal conversations were powerful ways to reach people. Food, social interaction and a welcoming atmosphere helped people feel comfortable and more open to discussing research.
There was also a call for stronger links with organisations already embedded in communities, including community groups, GP practices and social prescribing networks. These trusted routes can help introduce research to people who may not otherwise hear about opportunities.
Looking ahead
The feedback we received reinforced that community involvement is not simply about recruiting participants — it is about partnership.
Our Community Research Champions bring something unique: trust, experience and a deep understanding of the communities they work with. To build a more inclusive research system, CRCs need to be involved throughout the research cycle, supported properly and recognised as partners in the research process.
The next step is continuing to listen, learn and adapt — ensuring research reflects the communities it aims to serve.
Voices of the Community Research Champions
-
“It’s been great getting out into the community and speaking with people regarding the various topics we’re researching. Being a Community Research Champion gives me a great opportunity to engage with others and getting their voices heard when they don’t normally”!
-
“Being a Community Research Champion has been incredibly rewarding. I’m passionate about improving community health and wellbeing, and I enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Being multilingual allows me to build trust and engage on a personal level, ensuring voices are heard and helping shape more inclusive health services”.
-
“I have never been involved in this kind of community engagement before, and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with people about research. Keeping the dialogue about the importance of research and working on building trust in the community is such an important cause”.
-
“I’ve really enjoyed this particular project, talking to people across many demographics and building trust and rapport with individuals. All projects have resonated with me in some way, and it’s been interesting to hear people’s views. Moving forward I would like to be able to take the research further with those individuals I personally spoke to, completing the actual research as I have already gained trust”.
Tags
community research, research champions, blogs