The underrepresentation of racialised communities within health and social care research has been widely documented. The limited involvement of these groups within research impacts the services offered to support these communities in accessing appropriate support. This thesis consists of two interrelated papers, which both aim to bridge together the importance of collaboration and service-user involvement with the experiences of racial trauma for health and social care staff.  

Part A of this portfolio presents an empirical study exploring the experiences of global majority (GM) individuals in co-producing the second empirical paper. The findings highlight the importance of psychological safety as a key proponent of engagement in PPIE. The benefits of their engagement included professional development and shifts in their attitudes toward the impact and importance of academic research.  

Part B presents the second empirical paper, which explores racial trauma among health and social care staff in the UK. Findings suggest racialised staff expect interpersonal and systemic harm and recognise that existing services do not meet their needs. Therefore, staff employ their own safety methods in response to racial trauma. For some, the experience of racial trauma leads to a loss of identity, while for others, their experiences lead to gaining strength and empowerment. 

Taken together, both papers’ findings emphasise the importance of creating psychologically safe and empowering spaces for racialised individuals in research participation and healthcare institutions. By linking these findings, the thesis necessitates structural change and co-produced approaches to effectively addressing racial trauma. Through engagement in participatory methods that prioritise safety, empowerment, and active collaboration in research and policy development, we can create meaningful and lasting change.