The benefits and challenges of voluntary-academic-sector research partnerships

The aim of this paper is to offer a critical reflection on some of the benefits and challenges of conducting research that seeks to improve the health of Black and minority ethnic groups, with a specific focus on voluntary-academic sector research collaboration. A recently completed study, on improving the quality of access to mental health information and care to targeted Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups based in Wales, will be used as a case study. The critical reflection will be framed in the context of the eight categories or dimensions that Meleis (1996) proposed as essential for evaluating methodological rigour in research and scholarship: contextuality, relevance, communication styles, the awareness of identity and power differentials, disclosure, reciprocation, empowerment and time. The paper will conclude by highlighting the usefulness of tools such as the Meleiscriteria in both the design and the evaluation of research activity.