The LARIA Research Impact Awards  recognise the impact of research as a local level and showcase the very best work of our members. The winners were announced at the first day of the LARIA Conference at our awards dinner on 13th May 2014.

A: Best use of local area research – Sponsored by Opinion Research Services (ORS)

To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a local area or an issue that is locally important. This could be based on primary or secondary data analysis. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally. In alphabetical order the shortlist is:

  • WINNER: Lancashire County Council & Lancashire Constabulary: Improving vehicle security in Lancashire – the anti-theft screw operation
  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Staffordshire County Council (Insight Team): Completing families – finding homes for Staffordshire’s vulnerable children
  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lambeth Council: Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme 2011-14
  • SHORTLISTED: Luton Borough Council: Using waste reduction objectives to improve health and well-being outcomes
  • SHORTLISTED: Staffordshire County Council (Insight Team): Special Educational Needs: Analysis & Action

B: Best use of health research – Sponsored by HeRC (Health eResearch Centre)

To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a health issue. This could be based on primary or secondary data analysis. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within the health sector. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.

The judges decided that there was only one organisation that would be shortlisted and that the entry was very strong. Therefore we are pleased to announce that the winner of this award is:

  • WINNER: Lancashire County Council: Long-term conditions in Lancashire: a joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA)

C: Best community engagement/consultation – Sponsored by the LGA (Local Government Association)

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully engaged with a local community. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well argued and engaging methodology, clear reporting of the findings and impact. The entry could include a range of techniques, such as public opinion or employee surveys, but they must be shown to have engaged a local community. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation, and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.

  • WINNER: Lambeth Council:  Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme
  • SHORTLISTED: Kirklees Council: “The Kirklees Budget Challenge (Sept – Oct 2013) (Phase 2 of our ‘It’s Time to Talk’ Activity)”
  • SHORTLISTED: Lancashire County Council: Reducing young peoples’ alcohol and tobacco use in Lancashire by focusing interventions

D: Best use of public data

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have used secondary analysis of publically available data to lead to a greater understanding of a local area, community or health issue. This could include official statistics such as census, health, economy, labour market or any other publically available datasets such as public opinion, transparency or financial data. Not only that but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within the public sector. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a well argued methodology, clear reporting of the findings and data visualisation and real impact. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation and the outcomes that have been achieved locally.

  • WINNER: Manchester City Council: Integrated Data and Network Analysis
  • HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cancer Research UK: Using local level data to influence politics, policy and service configuration – How CRUK placed publicly available data in the heart of Parliament
  • SHORTLISTED: Lancashire County Council: The Census 2011: using it to shape Lancashire’s intelligence

E: New Researcher of the Year

This award is given to a researcher with under three years of employment in a research field who has made an impact. This could be a person of any age. The entry could be based on a particular project they have led, an innovation they have pioneered or a particularly strong skill set. Their career to date should show a researcher who is able to conduct research that provides insightful analysis, promotes citizen/user involvement/engagement, presents information well, and helps develop evidence-based decision-making in the public sector.

  • WINNER: Heather Walmsley, Lancashire County Council

F: Volunteer of the Year

This award is in the gift of the LARIA Council and recognises the work of a volunteer who has progressed the work of LARIA but does not sit on the LARIA Council. The winner this year has contributed throughout the year in terms of local networking events in the North West, promoting greater links with partnership organisations and supporting the 2013 LARIA Conference.

  • WINNER: Linda Frost, Manchester City Council

Photo credit: Impact by Nick Southall