ITT: Research and insights partner on regional devolution and health inequalities

The Health Foundation is interested in the role of regional devolution in improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. Many structural issues that are important for health – employment opportunities, transport, planning and others – are shaped at the regional level through a range of different decision-making mechanisms, and a regional tier model presents several opportunities to address determinants of health.

As part of our work on devolution and health, we are seeking a research and insights provider to undertake research on the role of regional devolution in improving health and reducing inequalities. We expect this work to run for just over two years, from October 2023 to January 2026.

This research will be carried out alongside our recently launched Combined Authorities programme, a £1.6 million programme to investigate how combined authorities can improve health and reduce inequalities, by taking action across the region. 

The role of the research and insights partner

The research and insights partner will draw on a range of inputs to synthesise and contribute to the evidence base on devolution and health, including academic literature, grey literature and on-the-ground insights through direct engagement with combined authorities and regional partners. The partner will explore learnings from English, UK and international evidence.

The aims and objectives for the research and insights partner are to:

• Identify key insights about the effectiveness of mayoral combined authority actions to address the wider determinants of health and reduce inequalities, using the Health Foundation Combined Authorities programme as one of many inputs.
• Generate outputs that will add practical value to local and regional leaders.
• Generate information to influence central government where relevant, eg to advocate for specific devolved powers.
• Add to the evidence base on the role of devolution (existing and potential devolution deals) in improving health and reducing health inequalities.

Information call

If you were unable to join the information call, you can now read the slides and FAQs to find out more about the opportunity.

If you have any further questions, please email Mariah Kelly at healthylives.tenders@health.org.uk

How to apply

Please follow these steps to complete your application:

• Read the Invitation to tender for full details of the tender response requirements and selection criteria.
• Before applying, please ensure that you have read our guidance for applicants.
• Please complete your application via online portal by 17.00 on Thursday 24 August 2023. We will not accept any applications by any other means or after this time.

Responses to tenders will be made by 17.00 on Monday 11 September 2023.

We are intending to hold interviews during the week commencing 25 September 2023 or 2 October 2023.

A final decision will be communicated by 17.00 on Tuesday 10 October 2023.

The start date is to be agreed following the final decision, but this would ideally be October or November 2023.