Help Shape the Future of Training in Islington

We are excited to invite you to play a key role in shaping the future of community research training in Islington. Your insights are vital as we work together to empower local organisations and residents to generate evidence, influence policy, and address the wider determinants of health. Community led research plays a powerful role in tackling health inequalities, and your voice will help ensure the right training and support are in place to make it happen.

Please click here to complete the survey

You said
At our conference on March 13th, 2025, over 140 representatives from the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Islington shared insights into the barriers to community research. This valuable feedback was gathered jointly by Evidence Islington and Voluntary Action Islington. You highlighted key challenges, including:

• Limited funding for community research and limited access to relevant data

• A lack of research skills and training

• The need for ethical, transparent research practices

• A desire for stronger partnerships and collaboration

We heard
We listened carefully to your feedback. You told us you need:

• More support with research and data analysis training

• Better access to research resources, and

• Opportunities to collaborate across sectors. 

You also emphasised the importance of community led research and the need for ethical, transparent research practices.

In response, Voluntary Action Islington and Islington Council’s Evidence Islington initiative are working in partnership to address these issues. Together, we are committed to supporting communities to lead their own research to improve services, influence policy, and tackle health inequalities.

Building on what you shared

We are launching a Training Needs Assessment Survey to better understand your organisations current skills, confidence levels, and training priorities related to community led research.

This short survey (just 5–7 minutes) will directly inform a future training programme tailored to your needs. Ensuring it is relevant, accessible, and impactful.

The benefits of taking part in the survey
By completing the survey, your organisation will:

• Help shape a training offer that directly responds to your needs.

• Identify skill gaps and set a baseline for future development.

• Gain access to more tailored training opportunities to build confidence in research methods.

• Contribute to a stronger, evidence based approach to improving health determinants and reducing inequality through evidence led action.

• Be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Love-2-Shop voucher.

Our vision
Together, we are building capacity, driving change, and creating healthier, better-informed communities. In the next phase of our Local Wellbeing Networks, we aim to:

• Embed a strong culture of research at the heart of our work.

• Bring together local voices to build evidence where it’s most needed.

• Empower local people to shape policy through their lived experiences.

We are asking a member of your senior management team to complete this survey.

Please click here to complete the survey

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our sector. Your voice matters.