I worked alongside researchers from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) to undertake deep-dive case studies locations that have received funding from the People’s Health Trust’s Local Conversations fund. This fund gives funding and control over decision making directly to communities. NEF is leading the longitudinal evaluation of the programme; the deep-dive studies form part of this.
2018: Perceptions of control over decision making
In 2018 studies in four areas explored the extent to which local people felt in control of the programme, as well as the dynamics of power within local decision-making. I led the research in two of the areas: undertaking face to face interviews, thematic analysis and report writing. I also presented the findings back to representatives of all participating communities - via an online workshop, as part of the dissemination activities.
2020/21: Understanding the role of Local Conversations in the local economy
The 2020/21 studies explored people’s perceptions of the local economy, their priorities for local economic development and how the Local Conversations programme and other community-led work could contribute to this. I led primary research in three case study areas, conducted remotely due to Covid-19. The research was presented back to representatives of all five case study areas via two webinars.