Building better research together: Introducing the GM REN Forum

The Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network (GM REN) Forum is a shared space where communities, voluntary organisations and researchers can connect, learn and take action together and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to inclusive research, that’s why the Forum will be participatory and open to learning. Members will help choose the questions we explore, the formats we use and the voices we need to hear.

At the heart of the Forum is the Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter. Co-produced with local communities and researchers, the Charter is a shared commitment to building research partnerships based on trust, fairness, transparency and mutual benefit.

Why the Forum matters

Research is stronger when it reflects the people and places it is designed to serve, but community groups, researchers and other partners can sometimes work separately, making it harder to share learning or build lasting relationships. The GM REN Forum aims to bring people together and turn good intentions into practical change by

• making new connections across communities, the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, and research teams,

• sharing useful ideas, skills and examples of best practice for effective engagement,

• talking openly about challenges and opportunities,

• supporting co-production, so people shape research together rather than being brought in at the end.

Putting respectful research into practice

The Charter is not simply a document to read and put on the shelf. It guides how the Forum works; how we listen to one another, share power, recognise different kinds of knowledge and build trust between communities and research teams.

• Community leadership: research should respond to the priorities and lived experience of local people.

• Respect for community values: listening and learning come first.

• Long-term relationships: trust grows when communities are embedded throughout the research process.

• Accessible approaches: everyone should have a fair opportunity to understand, shape and take part in research.

• Mutual benefit: people’s time, knowledge and contributions should be recognised and valued.

These Charter principles will be visible in every Forum event, conversation and communication.

The GM REN Forum builds on the valuable work already taking place across Greater Manchester. Nothing important is being left behind; instead, existing relationships, other co-produced frameworks, experience and learning are being connected through a wider network.

What we heard at the launch

We launched the GM REN Forum in June 2026 with support from Collaborate Out Loud. The event brought people together to explore shared values, build connections and help shape what the Forum should become.

One message came through strongly: this network is about more than research. It is about creating an inclusive and collaborative community where local people, public involvement practitioners and researchers share power, learn together and make meaningful change.

Participants highlighted three opportunities:

• turning connections into lasting collaboration

• turning shared principles into everyday practice

• moving from participation towards genuine influence and shared power

These ideas will continue to guide the Forum as it grows. You can see all the workshop outputs from the launch day here.

What happens next?

The launch is the beginning of an ongoing programme of in-person and online events across Greater Manchester. Each session will offer time to connect, learn from real experiences and work together on practical questions.

Future Forum events will:

• develop conversations between communities and researchers built on mutual respect,

• explore how the Respectful Research Charter can work in practice,

• create opportunities to exchange knowledge and skills,

• explore topics and activities shaped by Forum members.

Whether you are a community member, work in a voluntary, community or faith organisation, support public involvement, or carry out research, you are welcome. You don’t need to be an expert—just bring your experience, curiosity and willingness to work differently.

Together, we can make research across Greater Manchester more inclusive, respectful and relevant to our communities.

Read more about what our members told us they wanted from the GM REN Forum at the launch.

If you’d like to join the GM REN mailing list and receive updates about the GM REN Forum, sign up here: Greater Manchester REN Forum – Fill in form