What is the 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.
Who can become a member?
Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a community leader, or just starting out on your journey in research, the network welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Researchers
- Voluntary sector representatives
- Community-based organisations
You must be operating in one of the South London boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Croydon to be eligible for the network.
If you’re curious to learn more about research and contribute to the collective knowledge and benefit of your community, the South West London Research Support Network is for you.
Meet the team
Below, you’ll find your key Network Cafe team points of contact from South West London Integrated Care Systems.
Meet the South West London Evaluation Ambassadors
Evaluation Ambassadors are volunteers from across South West London showing leadership in and a passion for evaluation. They are here to support individuals and teams from healthcare and voluntary sectors who are interested in evaluating their project work, particularly those addressing health inequalities.
Ambassador Directory
Discover the 12 ambassadors here to support you in evaluating your work.
Croydon
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Croydon
Sarah Burns, Director of Communities, Croydon Voluntary Action
Ima Miah, CEO, Asian Resource Centre Croydon
James Henshaw, Data Analyst, Croydon BME Forum
Kingston and Richmond
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Kingston and Richmond
Jenny Freeman, Kingston and Richmond ICB
Emma Hill, Deputy CEO and Health Programmes Manager, Kingston Voluntary Action
Wandsworth
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Wandsworth
Damilola Gbadebo, Public Health Lead, Communities and Health Inequalities, Richmond and Wandsworth Public Health
Jessica Johnson, Healthy Communities Project Officer, Wandsworth Care Alliance
Merton
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Merton
Helen Duckworth, Head of Community Services, Wimbledon Guild
Kacper, Health Inequalities and Project Lead, Polish Family Association
Sutton
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Sutton
Nadine Wyatt, Health and Care Integration Programme Lead, Sutton LA and ICB
Upcoming Events
Being Open and Curious in Research: The Role of Practitioner Permeability
2 December 2025, 13:00 – 16:00, The Vault, 102 London Road, Morden, SM4 5AX
Explore how permeable practitioners’ values and characteristics challenge assumptions in practice-based health and social care research.
Practitioner permeability describes a way of working where we stay open, reflective, and willing to question our own assumptions. A permeable practitioner pays attention to themselves and others, shares their thinking openly, seeks feedback, is curious about alternatives, and is willing to learn and adapt.
This approach originally came from research about supervision in allied health, and is now being used more widely across health and care. In this session, we will explore how these same reflective behaviours can strengthen the research we plan and carry out, including the relationship between permeability and some key research concepts. There will also be opportunities to apply the concept of practitioner permeability to participants’ own research ideas.
This session will be led by Professor Deborah Harding, City St George’s University of London, who developed the concept of practitioner permeability through her PhD research. Deborah now leads national work on supervision in advanced practice through the NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice.
Psychological Safety at the Sharp End: Research and Practice Conversations
20 January 2025, 13:00 – 16:00, Events Theatre, Passmore Centre, Borough Road, London, SE1 0AN
Join this session to explore how psychological safety can support open conversations in research and practice across various experiences.
Psychological safety is often spoken about in abstract terms – “being open”, “speaking up”, or “feeling safe to share” – but what does this actually look like in practice, especially in research settings and research-enabled environments across health and care?
This session explores the real, everyday dynamics of psychological safety at the sharp end of work: where people are carrying out research, facilitating conversations, supporting communities, or making decisions in complex and sometimes high-pressure environments. Drawing on learning from sectors such as healthcare, aviation and manufacturing, we will look at what helps teams collaborate effectively, learn together, and navigate uncertainty.
The session is grounded in storytelling, practical tools, and behaviours that can be applied immediately. There are no role-play or forced vulnerability exercises. Instead, the focus is on simple, evidence-based approaches that support trust, curiosity, and constructive challenge in research and practice.
Participants will also receive links to resources, guides and further learning opportunities.
Past Events & Knowledge Bank
Explore some of the previous networking cafes hosted by the South West London Research Support Network and gain access to the knowledge banks made available to attendees after each research network session.
Contact the South West London Research Support Network team
If you have any further queries about involvement or collaborations, please email the South West London Health Improvement Team at
[email protected]
