“Wales can be a shining example of inclusive research” – Wales’ Chief Medical Officer launches inclusivity action plan

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, yesterday welcomed colleagues from across the NHS, government, education and the third sector to an event at the Senedd, to launch Health and Care Research Wales’ new three-year Inclusivity Action Plan. 

The event, chaired by Chief Dental Officer Andrew Dickinson, also marked the launch of a new partnership between Health and Care Research Wales and the Centre for Research Equity (CFRE) Oxford University.  

Dr Mahendra Patel, founding director and Inclusion and Diversity lead at CFRE, was one of a number of inspiring speakers, which also included Professor Chris George, chair of the National Cardiovascular Research Network (NCRN), among others.  

Professor Oliver said, “Ill health is not equally distributed in society. If research does not equally represent those affected, it risks widening inequality. Research is essential to inform the policies we need to support our populations and I am delighted to see the importance placed on inclusivity in the health and care research agenda. 

"I look forward to seeing the impact of the Health and Care Research Wales Inclusivity Action Plan on advancing our mission towards a healthier and fairer Wales.” 

Dr Patel used the examples of the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC trials during the Covid-19 pandemic, in which Wales played a significant role in boosting inclusive participation. This was commemorated with a special art exhibition, with selected portraits on display during the event. 

Dr Patel said, “These trials brought in new communities that hadn’t traditionally engaged. Wales was a true success story, responsible for 6% of recruits, despite only representing 5% of the population. We can use that as a blueprint for successful inclusive participation, and embed inclusivity into research design and delivery. The art exhibition created following these trials celebrated and represented the contributions of the teams from across the devolved nations, including Wales. 

“This plan and partnership show a shared commitment to tackling inequality. This isn’t just linked to certain ethnicities, but to silent or invisible communities, such as disabled people, who were 40% more likely to die of Covid-19, and coastal and rural communities. Through community engagement, cultural education and tailoring messages effectively we can make sure research reflects real world needs and voices, with Wales well-placed to be a shining example.  

This sentiment was echoed by Professor Chris George, who said, “We are proud that our network researchers are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. They may be labelled as “invisible” but really they are everywhere and we are them.  

“The key is to truly involve people, rather than simply conduct research on or about them.” 

Read about the importance of capturing young people’s views in research from public involvement member, Praveena Pemmasani, and download the full Inclusivity Action Plan.