University of York and Bradford Health Determinants Research Collaboration policy hub

The University of York and Bradford Council have partnered in the Bradford Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). One of 13 HDRCs across the UK, the collaboration aims to promote evidence-informed policy to improve wider determinants of health and reduce health inequalities.

Within the HDRC, we have jointly set up a Policy Hub, involving staff from the University's Department of Health Sciences, The York Policy Engine and colleagues at the Council.

The Policy Hub follows an embedded research approach to developing evidence-based (informed) policy: creating opportunities for close working between academics and policy colleagues, including rapid reviews of academic and community evidence, support with evaluations, and developing structures for University of York staff to support the Council with
advice, information and guidance.

Examples of current and past embedded Policy Hub projects include:

An evidence review for Bradford 2025 City of Culture on connections between cultural activities and nature, and their impacts wellbeing, determinants of health and inequality
A review on how to improve support for minoritised unpaid carers, working with the adult health and social care commissioning team
A review to define what a public health prevention approach to harmful drug and alcohol use is, working with the Public Health team and new Combatting Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
Qualitative research and review work on how different types of supported housing work, for whom, and with what effects on health and wellbeing
Analysis of poverty proofing school audits to inform school-based practices/toolkit development
Work to identify ways in which area-based regeneration can be carried out to reduce inequality and health inequality

There is more information on the Bradford HDRC website and NIHR website.