The power of research by Catalyst's Quaye Botchway

Site Admin • 5 May 2026

published : 9 May 2026

Hello! My name is Quaye Botchway, the latest member of the Catalyst4Change (C4C) family, with a lot to share since hitting the ground running in February 2026.

My role involves managing the day-to-day delivery of the CHERP programme (Community Hub for Engagement in Research Practice). CHERP is a partnership between academia, community researchers, and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector that aims to enable communities to shape research and drive change.

My Initial work has focused on promoting CHERP within the C4C network, encouraging registrations, and providing tailored support to new users.

Efforts have included designing and distributing marketing CHERP flyers, which have helped initiate conversations with local groups and individuals such as Allies Network CIC; the Voluntary Sector Mental Health Collective Panel; Precious Pearls Group; Ghana Union Greater Birmingham; AFRIFASS; community members; and a PhD candidate at the University of Birmingham.

These engagements have increased sign-ups from Black-led organisations and Black researchers and broadened the range of perspectives on the platform.

Next steps involve expanding CHERP’s reach through social media channels, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.

One of my recent highlights was helping to plan and taking part as a panellist at the Power of Us conference, where I discussed 'Perspectives of Trust and Infrastructure.'

The Power of Us Conference 2026 was BVSC Research’s second annual event that brought together community organisations, academics, Birmingham and Solihull Research Engagement Network partners, community researchers and colleagues interested in the power of engagement in research through keynote speakers, community panels and workshop sessions. This year’s theme, 'In Partnership: Creating Spaces for Trust, Understanding, and Shared Impact,' emphasised building equitable collaborations that foster trust, mutual understanding and collective impact.

As a panellist, I spoke about the importance of recognising our communities as valued partners in research, not simply as sources of information on questions decided by others.

I also called for more equitable partnerships that put the priorities, concerns and lived experiences of communities at the heart of the research that affects them.

The conference also facilitated new collaborative contacts, including representatives from a community health collaborative, NIHR Research Inclusion team, as well as a local nurse who subsequently registered on the CHERP website. These connections are expected to strengthen partnerships between the voluntary sector and research organisations.

For more information about CHERP and to get involved in community-relevant research, please contact Quaye Botchway on 07931700391 or via quaye.botchway@catalyst4change.org.uk

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