Empowering Communities Through Collaborative, Community-Led Research
Building a sustainable community research sector rooted in equity, lived experience, and social justice.
Who We Are
CIRC CIC is a community interest company rooted in Birmingham, created to champion and sustain community-led research across the UK.
We believe that knowledge should not belong to a few, it should belong to everyone.
Our work brings together residents, activists, academics, and institutions to co-produce research, influence policy, and build a fairer society.
Whether through mentoring community researchers, supporting CR Hubs, or partnering on national studies, we’re creating a future where research serves the people it represents.
“We’re not researching people, we’re researching with people.”
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What We Do
CIRC CIC operates at the intersection of community empowerment and research innovation.
We:
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Train and mentor community researchers across the UK.
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Build local and national networks of Community Research (CR) Hubs.
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Partner with universities and policymakers to embed community voices into research and strategy.
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Develop toolkits, resources, and training that strengthen the community research sector.
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CIRC CIC connects communities, universities, and decision-makers to co-create research that leads to real-world change. We train and support community researchers, build partnerships across sectors, and make sure lived experience shapes policies, services, and scholarship.
“Research isn’t just about data, it’s about dignity, dialogue, and doing things differently.”
Get Involved
Community Researcher
Trainer & Mentor
Support others to grow confidence, ethics, and practice across the community research sector.
Community Research Hub
Host and embed community research within your organisation to connect lived experience and policy.
Our Work in Action
Connect with us for impactful research collaborations today.
Migrant Maternity
AHRC Collaboration
Aspire Programme
German Partnership
Become a Community Research Hub
Policy Makers & Funders
Become a Community Researcher
Become a Member
Become a Community Researcher Trainer & Mentor
Academics
Partner With Us
We work with funders, policymakers, and academics to make research more equitable and impactful.
Together we build structures where communities are co-producers of knowledge.
Testimonials
Community Researcher Insights
Contact Us & Join Mailing List
Be part of the growing network of people building a fairer, evidence-led future.
Sign up for updates, training, and upcoming projects.