Join this session to explore how inclusive leadership can strengthen research practices, community engagement, and equitable healthcare.

About this event
We know that insufficient representation persists across many health and social care settings, particularly at a senior level, including on NHS boards, in healthcare teams, and within research projects. Even when under-represented groups do have a seat at the table, true inclusion requires intentional effort and insight. Research from the Centre for Population Health highlights that inclusive leadership can significantly impact study design, community participation, and the overall effectiveness of health and social care interventions.

Hosted by the Centre for Population Health, this session focuses on the leadership practices and frameworks that can help you promote a more diverse, equitable environment in your own organisations, teams, and research initiatives. You will gain practical strategies for embedding inclusion into day-to-day practices, including hands-on guidance and checklists to help drive real, sustainable change.

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About the session

The session will be co-facilitated by Durka Dougall and Samira Ben Omar from the Centre for Population Health. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in staff- and community-centred approaches that improve population health and equity. Attendees will:

• Explore the current landscape around representation in health, social care, and research.
• Discover why inclusive leadership is pivotal to better research outcomes, from engaging communities to refining study design.
• Learn practical “how-to” steps and implementation guidance on building and maintaining genuinely inclusive teams.
• Engage in interactive exercises (including Mentimeter) that highlight the lived realities of staff, community members, and voluntary sector stakeholders.

This session is ideal for anyone involved in research, community engagement, service provision, or leadership within the health and social care sectors, especially those who want to strengthen their skills in advancing equity and inclusion.

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Agenda

10:00 – 10:30 – Tea, Introductions & Networking

Arrive, connect with fellow attendees, and settle in.

10:30 – 11:25 – Inclusion for Population Health & Equity – Exploring the Lived Reality

• Presentation of the Centre for Population Health’s latest work on equity and inclusion in health and research.
• Interactive Mentimeter session and small-group discussions exploring staff and community experiences, with a focus on how diversity in leadership can improve research outcomes.

11:25 – 11:35 – Break

11:35 – 12:30 – Inclusion for Population Health & Equity – Making it a Reality

• Practical frameworks and checklists for integrating inclusive leadership practices into research design and community engagement.
• Emphasis on the vital role of the voluntary sector and local communities, supported by real-life examples and Q&A.

12:30 – 13:00 – Lunch & Networking

• Continue the conversation over lunch, build new connections, and share insights.

Attendees will leave the session with:

· Improved understanding of how inclusive leadership directly impacts research quality and community participation.

· Concrete strategies and frameworks to guide meaningful, equitable participation in health and care projects.

· A roadmap for applying inclusive leadership principles to real-world settings, including practical resources from the Centre for Population Health.

· New connections with peers and experts in health, social care, and the voluntary sector who are committed to collaborative, inclusive approaches.

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About South West London Research Support Network

The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.

Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.

In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships, that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.

Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.

Register now