Date: 13/10/2026
Inequality, Lived Experience and Community Engagement
At a glance
When: Friday 27 November 2026, 13.00 to 16.00
Where: Mithras House City Lab (115 to 120), Moulsecoomb campus, University of Brighton
Who it is for: All SCDTP students. 15 places available.
Focus: Impact; Methods; Interdisciplinary
Overview
How can researchers contribute to meaningful change beyond the university? Insights from a City-Wide Review of Inequality and Life Outcomes.
Research on inequality often relies on collaboration with public bodies, community organisations, policymakers and people with lived experience. Working in these settings raises important questions about evidence, representation, ethics and impact. How do researchers engage with diverse stakeholders? What role can qualitative research play in shaping policy? And how can the experiences of marginalised communities be placed at the centre of decision-making?
In this session, Polly Herbert, independent chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Review of Inequality and Life Outcomes, will reflect on the challenges and opportunities involved in leading a major city-wide review of inequality. Drawing on the review process, she will discuss stakeholder engagement, the use of evidence and lived experience, and translating complex social issues into practical recommendations for change. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how academic research can contribute to public debate and policy development.
Training focus
Methods
Interdisciplinary
Outcomes
You will have the opportunity to:
Facilitator
Polly Herbert
Independent chair, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Review of Inequality and Life Outcomes
Polly Herbert is the independent chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Review of Inequality and Life Outcomes. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership, alongside lived experience of growing up in poverty in Brighton & Hove. She is Head of Initial Teacher Education at the University of Brighton and has extensive experience working across institutional and community partnerships.
Who this is for
This workshop is designed for SCDTP doctoral researchers interested in inequality, social justice, public policy, community engagement, qualitative methods and research impact. It will be particularly relevant for researchers working with marginalised groups or seeking to build relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.
01 / SCDTP programme
SCDTP Training
Training organised and funded by the SCDTP, for SCDTP students.
