The Member Development Group met in mid-November to consider the submissions for the LARIA Excellence in Research Awards. We had a good response with submissions from district, county and unitary authorities. The range and quality of research presented was impressive.

This year’s winner is the Borough of Pendle for their project on ‘Measuring and Understanding Community Cohesion – a holistic approach.’ We were very impressed with their mixed method approach to this subject, demonstrating methodological innovation in their engagement and involvement of communities and individuals. This research will be presented at the LARIA Conference in March and will feature in a future edition of LariaNews.

The research projects submitted were of a high standard and we would like to commend Essex County Council for their Children’s Fund consultation. This project was well conceived and delivered, demonstrating innovation in the involvement of young people as researchers.

We also commend Stoke City Council for research undertaken as part of their Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative. This was a very thorough, well researched proposal, involving a multi-agency approach combining existing evidence with original data.

Thanks to all the authorities who took the time and effort to submit projects for the award. It was very encouraging, once again, to receive such a good response and to examine the range of good quality research that is taking place across the country.

CACI have confirmed sponsorship of the award for three years with the winning authority being given a free place at the LARIA Annual Conference and provided with up to £2,000 worth of CACI data for their use.

For further information on the Award Scheme or the above projects please contact Ann Atkinson, tel: 0191 211 5037 or email ann.atkinson@newcastle.gov.uk.

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