Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Research Advisory Group (BRAG) was shortlisted for and won The National BAME Health and Care Awards 2023

BRAG was shortlisted for and won The National BAME Health and Care Awards 2023.  The organisation has been a key player in securing a community development beneficial to local BAME population through working directly with other agencies. The organisation has developed new constructive working relationships with community partners. The Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Research Advisory Group (BRAG) is an inspirational and motivational group of community leaders from Greater Manchester, representing communities with experience of racial inequalities. Facilitated by Vocal (part of MFT), BRAG exerts strategic influence towards race equity, inclusion, and effective community engagement within the health research ecosystem in Greater Manchester.

By advising researchers about the relevance, applicability, design and delivery of their research, influencing research culture to be more inclusive and equitable, supporting the capacity development of research staff to become more inclusive and culturally competent, and voicing their lived experience, BRAG helps to ensure that the research carried out as part of the GM research ecosystem, is informed by, and directly addresses the needs of racially minoritised populations. By also raising awareness of research within their communities, BRAG bring health and research awareness benefits to wider groups; members have also developed their leadership, skills and agency by being part of BRAG.