The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has granted accreditation to LifeLab's NxtGen Researcher Training Programme.
The RSPH is an independent health education and campaigning charity dedicated to improving public health in the UK and internationally. It supports public health professionals through accredited qualifications, training and membership, while also influencing policy and publishing research on key public health issues.
An accreditation from the RSPH serves as an independent stamp of approval for an organisation's training programs, health campaigns, or services. It verifies that the offerings align with industry best practices and high standards of public health quality.
LifeLab's NxtGen Researcher Training Programme was developed in collaboration with young people. It is an innovative, activity-focused programme which is delivered through classroom sessions, videos and learner self-directed activities. During the course the learner develops their own research questions, collects research data, analyses the data and develops materials to present their research findings. The programme culminates in the presentation of the research to relevant decision makers, and the development of policy recommendations and action plans to address the issues highlighted in the research.
Samantha King, RSPH Membership and Educational Services Director, said: “It is important that people develop the necessary skills to undertake robust research, analyse their data and present their findings.
"RSPH is pleased to accredit this excellent training programme, which was developed in collaboration with young people. Learners are supported to research subjects which are meaningful to them and it enables the community to have a voice in changes which impact their lives.”
LifeLab Programme Director, Professor Kathryn Woods-Townsend, commented “The NxtGen Researcher Training Programme was built with young people, and it's designed to give learners real skills: the kind that let them ask a question that matters to their community, collect and analyse data, and put their findings in front of the people who can actually do something about it.
"We're really pleased that RSPH has accredited the programme. It gives schools, partners, and funders confidence that the training meets a recognised standard of quality, and it means that everyone who completes it holds a qualification with independent standing. That matters to us, because NxtGen researchers invest real time and effort in their research, and it's right that there's something tangible to show for it.”