Steps to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion principles into research settings

Embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles within the NHS and its research infrastructure is vital to foster inclusive and respectful environments and teams. We focus on the importance of delivering tailored and in-person staff training on pertinent EDI topics for this, as it promotes team building, social understanding, and collaboration. This approach was undertaken with meaningful and sustained input from Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) members who formed part of an EDI working group to advise on the content and delivery of each training session. This paper explores the implementation of staff training sessions and EDI working group meetings, termed the 'EDI initiative' at King's Clinical Research Facility (CRF). We concentrate on co-production methods in collaboration with PPI members. The initiative included a survey with quantitative and qualitative questions assessing staff knowledge and confidence in EDI topics, the formation of an EDI working group, and co-designed training sessions addressing priority areas identified in the survey. A follow-up mixed-methods survey, distributed 12 months after the implementation of the initiative, measured the impact of each session. Responses to the initial survey identified four key training priorities: (i) Raising Concerns Comfortably, (ii) Cultural Intelligence, (iii) Trans* Awareness and Unconscious Bias, and (iv) Health Inequalities. Training sessions were conducted over nine months, with a follow-up survey revealing increased confidence in raising concerns (95.5%) and improved cultural awareness (95.3%). However, some participants reported challenges in applying their knowledge, highlighting the need for ongoing reinforcement. This initiative demonstrates the value of co-produced EDI training in research settings. Findings emphasise the importance of interactive learning, reflection, and sustained engagement in fostering inclusive research environments. King's Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is located in King's College Hospital (KCH) in London, and its purpose is to support clinical trials on topics like mental health and general medicine. Recently, the CRF has focused on delivering staff Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training to increase confidence and knowledge. EDI is about making sure that there are equal opportunities for everyone, no matter their social or personal background. This is important as studies have shown that certain groups, who are often treated negatively, are less likely to take part in research. The CRF's EDI work (the 'initiative') of face-to-face training was designed together (co-production) with people with lived experience of health conditions known as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). PPI members joined a group called the 'EDI working group', and helped create the first survey sent to staff to help us understand their EDI knowledge. Training topics were chosen from the results of the survey, including cultural intelligence, trans* awareness and unconscious bias, and health inequalities. A second survey sent after the training sessions had been delivered showed good results: 83.3% of staff felt able to contribute ideas for improving inclusion, and 78.3% found the sessions valuable. The initiative showed us that tailored EDI training is needed to build staff confidence and awareness. It helped create a positive learning environment and research space where people feel comfortable and like they belong. However, there were challenges to this work, such as the difficulty of sharing personal experiences for PPI members.