What we do

Liverpool's Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) programme will boost research capacity and ability within local government. It aims to build a culture of always using evidence when making decisions.

HDRCs use research findings to understand how decisions impact health and health inequalities. They also carry out research where evidence isn't already available.

Liverpool is one of only 30 councils across the UK to receive HDRC investment for a five-year period from January 2024 to Dec 2028.

Overview

Liverpool is a fantastic city with fantastic people, however it faces significant challenges too.

• Liverpool is the third most deprived local authority in England. Linked to this, Liverpool has some of the worst health outcomes in the country.
• A baby girl born in Kensington, Liverpool can expect 13 fewer healthy years than one from Kensington, London.
• There is also a 15-year gap in life expectancy between the most deprived and least deprived parts of the city.

Unless we mage changes now, these issues are predicted to worsen in Liverpool by 2040. Highlighted in the recent State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040 report.

Health is created by the communities and environments in which we live. These 'building blocks' of health include good quality work, housing and access to green spaces. Liverpool City Council is responsible for or can influence many of these factors.

The HDRC Liverpool programme will build research capacity and capability. This will ensure evidence informed decision making by the City Council and its partners. Intended to improve the building blocks of health. Where research does not exist, HDRC Liverpool will support the development of new research evidence. This will be shared across other cities facing similar issues.

This will be undertaken in partnership with our local communities. The approach will build on local community assets.

About NIHR

The NIHR funds, enables and deliver world-leading health and social care research. It improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

NIHR HDRC'S, enable local authorities to become more active in research. The programmes are building a culture of evidence-based decision-making.

The NIHR has awarded £150 million to 30 HDRCs across the UK. This supports local authorities to undertake public health research. The research aims to address the wider determinants of health and health inequalities.

A collaborative approach

HDRC Liverpool is led by Liverpool City Council, in collaboration with University of Liverpool, LJMU, LCVS and Healthwatch Liverpool.