Research
Current projects
Communities and Neighbourhoods Projects:
Problematising co-production in research with communities
Liz Richardson
In collaboration with De Montfort and Birmingham Universities, funded by AHRC, a scoping study looking at how academics can have more equal relationships with the people and communities they research.
Illuminating the evolution of community participation
Liz Richardson
An inter-disciplinary international review, in collaboration with De Montfort and Birmingham Universities, funded by AHRC, a scoping study which explores how relationships between state and citizens have been configured in different ways in history and in other places around the world, and how these ideas translate into current ‘Big Society’ policy.
Charter for Elected Member Development - Level II
Liz Richardson
A piece of developmental research for North West Employers’ Organisation on a self-assessment and evaluation tool for local elected members in North West local authorities.
Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT): Community budgets for complex families
Liz Richardson
In partnership and funded by Manchester City Council, using a field experiment to test new ways to support families experienced multiple issues, as part of Government Community Budget pilots.
Working in Neighbourhoods (WIN) - JRF Bradford Programme
Liz Richardson
The aims of the project are to:
• Encourage greater dialogue, learning and understanding within the individuals and agencies engaged in neighbourhood practice throughout the District;
• Use action research methods (working both with Neighbourhood Services and also with their partners and stakeholders) to identify: successful or promising practice; problems; and desirable changes;
• Assess the impact of these methods on neighbourhood practice in the MDC; and consider the implications, for practice elsewhere, of the lessons learned;
• Disseminate the results of the project nationally.
North West Together We Can (NWTWC) - Community Empowerment and Social Cohesion Award
Liz Richardson
Neighbourhood Agreements Guidance
Liz Richardson
The policy aims of contracts are to contribute to neighbourhood quality of life outcomes through improving and tailoring public services, as well as developing relations of co-production between local governance actors, public service providers, and citizens. Contracts aim to empower communities and strengthen local democracy, and enable citizens to become more active in their local communities. Community contracts are intended to build trust, mutual respect and confidence between residents, service providers and local authorities within a clearly defined agreement regarding matters of mutual concern and benefit.
Evaluation of Community Empowerment in Cumbria
Liz Richardson
Citizens and Local Decision Making: What Drives Feelings of Influence? (NI4)
Liz Richardson
Exploring the reality of relationships between community anchors and policy makers
Sarah Cotterill and Liz Richardson
Funded by bassac
When community anchor organisations, citizens and councillors work together they can strengthen democracy, tackle unfairness and improve neighbourhoods. Some community anchors and councillors work very successfully together, but for others the relationship is a difficult or non-existent one. The research will highlight the different approaches and roles that community anchors adopt in their relations with councillors. Case studies with 8 community anchor organisations will examine in detail specific examples of community anchors and councillors working together.
How to promote Sure Start to Manchester families
Sarah Cotterill, Peter John, Laura Humber, Alice Moseley, James Rees
Manchester City Council and the University of Manchester are carrying out a randomised controlled trial on how to encourage families to attend Sure Start children's centres. Sure Start services are already used by many Manchester families. Manchester City Council is keen to find the best ways of promoting Sure Start, so more families can benefit. During October 2010, Sure Start staff will try out different ways of contacting families. The research will use existing Sure Start records to find out whether families attend Sure Start centres in greater numbers after they have been contacted than other families who receive the usual service. The research team will use anonymised data and will not have access to any personal information about families. No individuals or families will be identified in the research reports. A report of the research results will be published in January 2011. The findings will help Manchester City Council and other neighbouring councils decide how best to encourage take up of Sure Start services. The research is funded by the Greater Manchester Evaluation Group.
Manchester Experiments Network
Sarah Cotterill and Peter John
This is a network of researchers undertaking experiments at the University of Manchester, from diverse disciplines. It aims to promote the exchange of methodological expertise and explore the potential for future collaboration. Funded by methods@manchester. The launch seminar was held on 19th January 2011, 12pm-5pm Launch seminar flyer.
Experiments Research Network (Second Seminar): 30th March 2011 (Wed)- 12.00 noon to 5pm
Funded by methods@manchester.
Experiments Research Network (Third Seminar): 22nd June 2011 (Wed)- 2 to 4.30 pm
Funded by methods@manchester. Further Details on Events Page.