Research Better Together (RBT) is the name of a programme developed in 2022 by researchers at the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC). The programme aimed to foster equitable, participatory partnerships between VCFSE organisations and academic researchers, particularly in the fields of health, social care, and wellbeing. It focused on creating opportunities for new collaborations, strengthening relationships, and supporting VCFSE organisations and academics to work together more effectively in research. As part of RBT we offered small grants to eight collaborations of VCFSEs and academics to enable them to develop their own research ideas.
We have developed this resource as a guide to support you to deliver a ‘Research Better Together’ inspired Programme in your area. Whilst we share what we delivered in our ‘Research Better Together’ Programme, and lessons we learnt along the way.
Research Better Together Resource Guide.pdf (670.8 KB)
Resources:
RBT_Evaluation_Report_April_2026_FINAL.pdf (1.2 MB)
RBT6B Mentoring template.pdf (204.8 KB)
RBTS6A Mentor guidance.pdf (66.7 KB)
RBTS2A_Handbook for Ethical Review and Approval.pdf (157.6 KB)
RBTS3A_RBT Launch Webinar Flyer for Academics TEMPLATE.pdf (216.5 KB)
RBTS3B_RBT Launch Webinar Flyer for VCFSE TEMPLATE.pdf (245.9 KB)
RBTS3C_RBT Launch Webinar Slides VCFSE TEMPLATE.pdf (596.3 KB)
RBTS4A_RBT Networking Event Flyer Slides TEMPLAE.pdf (216.5 KB)
RBTS4B_RBT Networking Event Slides TEMPLATE.pdf (1.3 MB)
RBTS5A information to give potential collaborations.pdf (312.8 KB)
RBTS5B RBT Application Form.pdf (410.4 KB)
RBTS5C RBT funding criteria and scoring ideas.pdf (229.8 KB)