The winners of the LARIA Research Impact Awards were announced on the 22nd May 2018 at the LARIA Conference in Chester. They are the only awards specifically designed to showcase the work of those researching local areas. We welcome entries from across the public and private sector that show the value of this work in helping public sector bodies to make better evidence based decisions.

The key criteria are that award winners should show us excellence in research that is making a real difference to the people they serve. The awards focus on research impact based on a sound evidence base. We will also be looking for entries that are demonstrating citizen/user involvement/engagement, partnership working, delivering positive outcomes, achieving efficiencies, and embracing innovation.

 

A: Best use of local area research – Sponsored by the Local Government Association (LGA)

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 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.

Winner

Highly commended

  • Improvement Service – Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis of the Embedding of Welfare Rights Advisors in Medical Practices in Dundee and Edinburgh

Shortlisted

  • Essex County Council – The London effect – Investigation & risk of vulnerable families moving into Essex
  • Manchester City Council – Homelessness Analysis

 

B: Best use of social care or health research

To win this award the successful entrant will show how their research has led to a greater understanding of a social care or 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 social care or health sectors. Our definition of social care and health sectors is in the broadest sense and includes public health. We would welcome entries that address issues relating to health and social care integration. 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.

Winner

Highly commended

  • Thurrock Council – The use of a Needs Assessment in developing an Accountable Care Partnership in the locality area of Tilbury & Chadwell St Mary

Shortlisted

  • Birmingham City Council – Population segmentation: an approach to reducing childhood obesity inequalities

 

C: Best use of data – Sponsored by QSR International

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successful used data to aid understanding of a local area, community or health issue. Not only that, but they must also show that this has led to evidence-based decision-making within at least one public sector body. Data for the purposes of this award is defined as the use of big data, open data, business intelligence and statistical analysis. Judges will be looking for evidence that data has been analysed and presented to a high standard for a specific business purpose or issue. The use of the data will have delivered an insight that has aided decision making. We would welcome entries that show the use of data in the day-to-day management of a service. 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.

Winner

Highly commended

  • Worcestershire County Council – Worcestershire County Council – Putting data at the heart of digital inclusion

Shortlisted

  • Manchester City Council – Care Leavers Accommodation Needs Analysis
  • Thurrock Council – The use of a Needs Assessment in developing an Accountable Care Partnership in the locality area of Tilbury & Chadwell St Mary
  • West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Local Authority Public Health Teams (Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale) – West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (WYFRS) Safer Communities Programme

 

D: Most engaging communication of local area research – Sponsored by CACI

To win this award the successful entrant will show how they have successfully communicated local area research to aid understanding of a local area, community or health issue. The audience for this communication could include senior decision-makers, staff, the media and the public. The format of the communication could include (but is not limited to) a written report, conference presentation, event/seminar, videos, infographics, an online portal/website or use of media. Judges will be looking for submissions that show a creative approach that understands the needs of the audiences receiving the information. There should be evidence that research findings have been reported clearly and are fairly represented by the communication of it. Ideally the winner will also show strong partnership working, citizen/user involvement/engagement, innovation and the outcomes that have been achieved locally. In entering the category submissions can include a copy of the actual communications, including full or edited reports or links to online resources.

Winner

Highly commended

  • Reigate & Banstead Borough Council – Pushing the Boundaries
  • Suffolk County Council – Suffolk Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

Shortlisted

  • Lancashire County Council – Healthy people, spaces and workplaces: Lancashire’s working-age population

 

Outstanding Contribution to LARIA

This award was presented for the first time. It was given to four individuals who between them have contributed over 70 years of service to LARIA. They have all made an outstanding contribution in ensuring that LARIA has survived and flourished.

Winners

  • Andy Davis
  • Juliet Whitworth
  • Mike Walker
  • Gerallt Evans-Hughes

 

Special Recognition Award

This award was presented for the first time. It was given to the outgoing Chair of LARIA for services to local area research and intelligence.

Winner

  • Neil Wholey