Research

The new Institute for Diversity Research, Inclusivity, Communities and Society (IDRICS) reflects the organisational recognition of the importance of inclusivity, celebration of diversity and community engagement in all aspects of Buckinghamshire New University’s work.

The interdisciplinary Institute operates from both our High Wycombe and West London (Uxbridge) campuses to emphasise the importance of these core values to Bucks New University’s work, and to ensure that partner agencies can access academic support and advice from IDRICS staff and associates without the requirement of travelling to another location. The nine protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation) are fundamental to the vision of the Institute as Bucks New University seeks to enhance and grow our expertise in offering research, consultancy, teaching and learning opportunities in all of these areas.

A copy of the terms of reference can be downloaded here (pdf format).

Guiding principles:

• to provide a West London and Thames Valley wide applied academic resource which undertakes and provides research, consultation, service evaluation, training and reviews of existing evidence to inform policy development and practice at national, regional and local levels
• to promote inter-disciplinary, inter-sectional, cross domain knowledge, skills and best practice awareness to a full range of stakeholders in west London and the Thames Valley.

Function of the institute:

• to promote inter-disciplinary, inter-sectional, cross domain knowledge, skills and best practice awareness to a full range of stakeholders in west London and the Thames Valley
• to ensure that high-quality research and evaluation is undertaken which contributes fully to the life of local communities, agencies and service providers by providing robust evidence which supports the development of effective and efficient policies and practices in the areas of diversity, inclusivity and community studies
• to work with stakeholders to identify key gaps in research knowledge and practice and encourage local community members, academic, policy and research professionals to contribute more fully to addressing these
• to develop inclusive knowledge about (and in partnership with) diverse communities in the public, private and voluntary sectors so that effective use is made of the existing evidence base and best practice in the UK
• to undertake innovative in-depth evaluations of developing and on-going projects across the areas within our remit, to enable commissioner and service providers to enhance their practice and deliver cost-effective, appropriately tailored services which encompass cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose, social returns on investment and associated valid outcomes
• to engage with communities and service providers in the local areas through developing training, volunteering, internships and ‘student enhancement experience’ opportunities for senior students (e.g. PhD and Masters Level students) enabling them to be embedded within community and third sector projects to enhance their practical skills whilst undertaking knowledge transfer and partnership working with local people and groups in line with the ‘Big Society’ agenda.

Conferences & events:

Diversity and Cultural Engagement Within the ‘Big Society’: Which Way Is Forward?
Hosted by: Hosted by IDRICS, Bucks New University
Keynote speaker: Robin Richardson, Director of the Insted educational consultancy
Venue: Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe Campus

Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed. A new date and time will be announced shortly.

Find out more
If you would like further information on future IDRICS events and conferences, please contact Justine Curtis via justine.curtis@bucks.ac.uk.