HSR UK and the Health Foundation Join Forces to Foster Inclusivity and Opportunity in Health and Care Services Research

Posted 2024.04.03
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HSR UK is delighted to announce an exciting partnership with the Health Foundation, a leading independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK. This collaboration marks an important step forward in championing inclusivity and diversity within the field of health and care services research.

As part of this partnership, the Health Foundation is generously sponsoring two of HSR UK’s key initiatives aimed at promoting accessibility and equality within the health and care services research sector.

 

Firstly, the Health Foundation is supporting HSR UK's Hardship Fund, a vital resource that will enable those in our community facing financial barriers to attend our annual conference. This fund will offer a fixed sum to applicants to support their attendance at this year’s conference, intended to cover the cost of a conference ticket as well as accommodation and travel. The fund is a new addition for our 2024 conference, and we hope that it will provide crucial assistance to those who otherwise might not have the means to participate, ensuring that the event remains accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. We thank The Health Foundation for supporting this fund and our ongoing commitment to creating a truly inclusive experience at #HSRUK24.

 

If you would like to apply to our Hardship Fund, please complete the application accessible here.

 

In addition to sponsoring the Hardship Fund, the Health Foundation is also funding HSR UK's Careers Inclusion Project. This initiative seeks to explore and enhance the diversity, inclusivity, and equality of careers in health and care services research across the UK. By interrogating the key barriers to career access, progression, and satisfaction within this space, the project aims to foster a more inclusive and representative workforce, ultimately driving innovation and excellence in health and care services research.

 

The first phase of this project, a national survey focused on the experience of those undertaking HSR careers, is currently live. We encourage anyone who may be interested to take the short survey and share it with their peers, to help us in our journey towards improving careers for everyone. Visit our Careers Survey Page to learn more or get in touch with HSR UK’s Project Officer, Jenny Wheeldon, at [email protected] if you would like to get involved in the project.

 

"The Health Foundation's support of our Careers Inclusion Project and Hardship Fund underscores their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse research community," said Cat Chatfield at HSR UK. "Together, we will work towards creating a more equitable landscape where individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the sector."

 

"In supporting HSR UK through these initiatives, the Health Foundation is contributing to the research ecosystem by not only building research capability, but also building evidence of best practice and acting as a catalyst for change. We recognise that diversity in the research community drives excellence in research practice and are committed to ensuring that we play our part as a funder to help tackle systemic barriers and ensure equality of opportunity.” Justine Karpusheff, Assistant Director of Research

 

This partnership between HSR UK and the Health Foundation underscores our shared commitment to advancing inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity within health services research. By joining forces, we are not only breaking down barriers but also cultivating an environment where every voice is valued, and every researcher has the chance to succeed.

 

The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation working to build a healthier UK.

 

If you would like to donate to the Hardship Fund, or if you would like any further information, please contact [email protected]