An action learning approach to partnership in community development: a reflection on the research process

Abstract

Green space offers a significant environmental resource that can improve the individual experience of health and quality of life. However, barriers exist that prevent the use of green space, and partnership (multi-agency) working has the potential to overcome these. Current public health policy aims to broaden the range of environmental public health intervention through effective partnership working. In response to this, a community development partnership project (Stepping Stones to Nature) was established in the south west of England to improve green spaces in neighbourhood communities through engagement and consultation. Integral to this project was an initiative to research the process and experience of partnership working. The aim of this paper is to report the experience of the multi-agency group guiding the research process and how they used an action learning approach to explore their experiences and guide the research process. Halfway through the project a ‘formal’ focus group discussion was arranged in order to capture the reflective thinking and learning that had taken place. The focus of this paper is on the data from that group discussion. Four main themes were evident from the data: expectation/perceptions; stakeholder involvement; tensions (at organisational and individual levels); and reflection and learning (through the partnership and research process). This paper reflects the different expectations of the research process that need to be identified early in partnership research in order that they can be appropriately managed.

Keywords:

• action learning
• research
• partnership
• multi-professional
• community development

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Stepping Stones to Nature Research Working Group for their participation in the research process.

Funding

This project was part-funded by Plymouth City Council supported by Natural England who provided funding for the Stepping Stones to Nature project.

Notes on contributors

Janet Richardson is Professor of Health Service Research and Honorary Consultant in Public Health at NHS Plymouth. Her research interests and current projects focus on Health and Sustainability.

Jane Grose is Research Fellow in Health and Sustainability, with expertise in qualitative research, and experience in health and well-being interventions.