Community Hub for Engagement in Research Practice (CHERP)



To truly recognise the power of the community-led research projects we are delivering, we have developed our Community Hub for Engagement in Research Practice (CHERP) with key partners we are working with across Birmingham and Solihull. The CHERP logo helps identify our community-focused research work, and you may see it sitting alongside our BVSC Research logo, so you can easily identify our work:

Communities told us they wanted an online space to help connect with research in a more meaningful way, so we developed a website and collaborative platform as part of our work on CHERP (cherp.org.uk). The platform supports voluntary organisations, communities and researchers to work together to generate knowledge, share learning and ensure that research reflects the experiences and priorities of the communities it aims to serve.

At the core of all this work is one simple principle: communities most affected by an issue should be involved in the research on that issue.

Why Community Research Matters

Many of the most complex social challenges facing Birmingham’s communities cannot be fully understood through data alone.

Community research helps ensure that lived experience, local knowledge and community insight are part of the evidence that informs services, policy and decision-making. Check out the video below to understand more about community-engaged research:

What we do

At BVSC Research we bring together a range of activities that support community-led research and strengthen research capacity across the voluntary sector. We use CHERP as a collaborative, accessible tool to share knowledge and engage people in research.

Developing Community Researchers

Community Researchers are local people who are trained and supported to take part in research and evaluation projects, helping to ensure that community perspectives shape the evidence being produced. See how this works in more detail below:

Building Research Capacity in the Voluntary Sector

Our expert team works with voluntary and community organisations to strengthen confidence and skills in research and evaluation. This includes training, mentoring and support to help organisations engage with research and use evidence effectively



Connecting Communities, Researchers and Systems

The CHERP website and engagement platform helps bring together voluntary organisations, researchers, public services and community members to collaborate on research that addresses shared challenges.

Birch Network



The Birch Network is our practitioner and learning network for organisations and individuals interested in community research, engagement and evidence-informed practice.

Birch provides opportunities to:

• connect with others working in community research
• share learning and experience
• explore new approaches to participation and engagement
• collaborate across sectors

You can find out more and join, here!

Get Involved

Opportunities to engage with us and the community-led research work we are doing are hosted through the CHERP website.

Through cherp.org.uk, you can:

• Join the Birch Network
• Apply to become a Community Researcher
• Access training and development opportunities
• Explore resources and guidance on community research

To learn more about community research opportunities, join the Birch Network, or explore training and resources, visit:

👉 www.cherp.org.uk

📧 [email protected]