Under the Community Organised Research for Equity (CORE) initiative, in May 2025, we hosted a one-day workshop to bring together practitioners, researchers, and community members to explore two vital topics: Addressing Racism in Systems and Community-Based Ethics Review.
The morning session, led by Nathan Stanley from Black Thrive Global, encouraged participants to explore how racism operates within and across systems. Nathan guided attendees through frameworks for understanding institutional structures as interconnected systems, and how racism can become embedded within them. The session challenged participants to critically consider how to reframe their approach to tackling systemic racism and left many with practical ideas to take back into their own organisations and institutions.
In the afternoon, Sohail Jannesari (Inspiring Ethics) and Harry Jenkins (High Trees Community Development Trust) led a dynamic session on community-based ethics. They opened up discussion on the limitations of academic ethical review processes and introduced alternative models rooted in community values. Participants learned how communities can design and lead their own ethical review systems that prioritise accountability to the people most affected by the research.
The workshop created a collaborative space for dialogue, reflection, and shared learning. With lunch and refreshments provided, participants had plenty of opportunities to network and build connections throughout the day.
About the Facilitators
Nathan Stanley is the Evaluation Lead at Black Thrive Global, where he centres community voices in developing impact measurement frameworks and decolonising evaluation practices.
Sohail Jannesari is a Research Fellow at King’s College London and founder of Stolen Tools, with expertise in decolonial research ethics and mental health.
Harry Jenkins is a Senior Researcher at High Trees Community Development Trust and a core member of the Lambeth Community Research Network, helping to pioneer community-led ethical review processes.
We’re grateful to all who attended and contributed to the discussions. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming workshops, please get in touch via email!
