Table 3 Approaches to research identified by stakeholders involved in the case study development
Approaches to facilitate research activities within local authority teams/departments | Strengths and challenges associated with these approaches described |
|---|---|
Project-based research–practice partnerships between the Council and universities | Brings access to academic expertise and advice Exposure to new ways of working that support skills development and capacity-building Brings credibility that can improve buy-in from internal and external stakeholders Can bring in external funding Good communication and relationships are needed Short-term nature of projects can be a challenge to long-term planning |
Leveraging existing connections to establish working relationships and interagency partnership in response to shared needs or concerns (e.g. response to COVID-19) | Mutually beneficial research collaboration in which all partners, services and wider stakeholders gain Established connections are key to initiating new collaborative projects rapidly Engagement in collaborative work strengthens relationships and increases opportunities for ongoing or future collaborations |
Evolving models of collaborative working (e.g. joint funding of research, commissioning research, providing data, interventions or participants for external research, collaborative/co-developed research) | Shifting model as relationships are built and embedded Shifting model as individual and organizational capacity to engage in research is built and embedded Differing models allow flexibility and adaptation to the needs of specific projects |
Departments where research culture is established and embedded and/or staff and teams are research-ready or research-active | Provides a level of autonomy that allows flexibility to take opportunities Challenges include being restricted by time scales, budgets and other work commitments Relies on proactive efforts of staff in looking for opportunities to do research, bring in external funding and develop partnerships Brings skill sets for research Brings connections for research |
Engagement between departments, including formal and informal arrangements for fixed shared posts or resource across departments | Helps build relationships Improves sharing of insights, learning and resources Improves internal network Builds capacity and skills Builds confidence around joint working |
Dedicated research staff within departments or the organization | Central support to facilitate research, training and capacity-building Develops and embeds a culture of valuing and using insight and evidence for research Central role helps to understand and align research with longer-term strategies Ensure research and collaborations are practical and meaningful to the Council and stakeholders |
Collaboration platform | Having agreed platform facilitates processes in setting up collaborations and auditing, and overcomes some of the challenges in setting up contractual arrangements and procurement |