Fully Funded PhD Opportunity - Evaluating and Understanding the Process and Outcomes of a Collaboration Addressing Health Inequalities

Passionate about health equity? Ready to make a real impact? The School of Health at Leeds Beckett University is excited to announce a three-year fully funded PhD studentship, starting in October 2025. This PhD will be based at Leeds Beckett University and focus on the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Wakefield—a pioneering initiative dedicated to tackling health inequalities through evidence-informed decision-making.

Launched in January 2024, HDRC Wakefield is a five-year project bringing together key partners, including:

• Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
• Voluntary and community sector organisations
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Leeds Beckett University

The collaboration aims to increase research capacity and capability within communities, local authorities, and among elected representatives to drive meaningful change for the citizens of Wakefield.

We would like to support a PhD candidate to undertake research in the following areas:

Evaluating and understanding the process and outcomes of a collaboration addressing health inequalities. Specific questions may include, but are not limited to:

• What challenges and facilitators emerge in sustaining cross-sector partnerships aimed at reducing health inequalities?
• How does participation in the collaboration influence the capacity and effectiveness of local organisations addressing health inequalities?
• To what extent does the collaboration contribute to long-term policy change and systemic improvements in health equity?
• What mechanisms within HDRC Wakefield drive systemic change in addressing health inequalities?
• What policy shifts can be directly or indirectly attributed to HDRC Wakefield’s research and interventions?

We welcome applications that align with these themes and welcome a range of research approaches and methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques as well as mixed-method approaches. The successful candidate will have prior research experience, with postgraduate level qualifications being desirable, and a passion for health equity. They will be expected to be able to travel to Wakefield district to undertake aspects of the PhD.

To apply, please submit:

• A three-page research proposal outlining your chosen focus, objectives, and methodology.
• A two-page CV demonstrating your suitability for the PhD.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the HDRC Wakefield team for an informal discussion before applying. They can be contacted at hdrc@wakefield.gov.uk

Closing date: Monday 30^th June 2025, 23:00.

All applications should be sent through to Lisa Hope, School Secretary at Lisa.hope2@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

For further details of the post please contact Professor James Woodall via Lisa Hope, School Secretary.

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