By Paul Norton, CAN Research Engagement Lead

Social Value, Research, and Community Voice 
 
On 8 December, members of the Community Research & Engagement Network came together for a follow-up online session to continue the conversation about social value — and how research can help communities evidence, strengthen, and protect it. 
 
The discussion built on an earlier roundtable and quickly moved beyond definitions. Members spoke openly about the tension many community organisations face: being asked to demonstrate social value in financial terms, while knowing that much of their real impact is relational, preventative, and long-term. 
 
A strong theme throughout the session was that social value is not just about outcomes, but about how work is done. Participants reflected on the importance of trust, community ownership, and asset-based approaches — and the risk of research becoming extractive if communities are only involved as a means to access participants or data. 
 
Members also shared how involvement in research can be empowering when done well. Examples included increased confidence, stronger evaluation skills, clearer understanding of community reach, and the ability to capture stories and voices that often go unheard. These insights not only strengthen funding applications but also support longer-term planning and sustainability. 
 
Importantly, the conversation marked a shift for the Network — from learning about research to beginning to test collaboration in practice. There was shared interest in exploring how community organisations can help shape research questions, support inclusive participation, and ensure appropriate care before, during, and after research involvement. 
 
As one participant reflected, this work is about knowing your worth and being able to set the terms on which you share it. 

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