Research barriers for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector: part of NIHR Research Engagement Network Development (REND) Programme

Community groups, charities, and faith organisations are working with researchers to identify why people from minority backgrounds are less likely to take part in health studies. This matters because health research often fails to reflect the full diversity of the UK population. Without accurate data from all communities, healthcare improvements risk missing those who need them most. The project brings together the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector (VCFSE) with the Research Engagement Network to examine existing evidence on what stops minority groups from participating, and what interventions might help. If successful, the work will produce a commentary and an infographic summarising the findings from a systematic review of interventions. Focus groups with VCFSE organisations will then help evaluate and refine the evidence. The immediate impact is better-informed strategies for recruiting diverse participants into health research. Over time, this could lead to more representative clinical trials and health services that work effectively for everyone, not just a narrow slice of the population. The project does not generate new experimental data but synthesises and translates existing knowledge into actionable guidance for researchers and community organisations.