RESEARCH
The Policy Research Centre undertakes a number of research projects, independently and in collaboration with other national and European policy research bodies and academics. Our research areas explore some of the pertinent and critical issues of the day, and aim to benefit policy thinking through better information provision, analysis and recommendations. We work with some of the leading practitioners and experts in areas concerning Britain’s Muslims.
Research project on Muslims in Prison with Dr Muzammil Qureshi, University of Salford.
Status: in progress, due for release in 2010
This project is looking at the Muslim presence in prisons and also, crucially, what happens to ex-offenders when they are released. The findings and recommendations will be particularly important given that Muslims now constitute over 10% of the prison population.
Research project mapping Muslim health concerns, with Professor Aziz Shaikh, University of Edinburgh
Status: in progress, due for release in 2011
This project will map the range of issues related to Muslims in the arena of health and provide recommendations addressed to Muslim communities as well as those working in health policy.
Oral History Archive
Status: in progress, due for release in 2011
This project aims to collect narratives from first generation migrants to Britain of Muslim heritage, looking at their experiences, contributions and observations of Muslim life in Britain over the last 40 years. The archives will be web-based and aimed at educational institutions, particularly helpful for young Muslims growing up today, but also a wider audience. It is hoped that this will contribute towards emphasising the Muslim presence in the narrative of Britishness, and show young Muslims that they have a deep heritage in recent British history and therefore a significant stake in this society.
Muslims in Leicester, with the Open Society Institute
Status: Released in April 2010
The Policy Research Centre conducted this piece of research for the Open Society Institute’s At Home in Europe Programme, which explores the policy concerns of Muslim citizens in eleven EU cities. The first of the 11 city reports to be released, this is the largest and most detailed survey of Muslims in the city of Leicester including 200 detailed questionnaires with Muslims and non-Muslims, 6 focus groups and 30 interviews with city stakeholders. The report examines the views of Leicester residents in areas such as citizenship, identity & belonging, policing, education, employment, health and media.
Click here to read more about this report
Status: Released in September 2009
Seen and Not Heard: Voices of Young British Muslims, by Sughra Ahmed, brings together the views – the thoughts, aspirations, and frustrations – of young British Muslims of over 15 different ethnicities, from across England, Scotland and Wales. It enables female and male voices to express, in their own words, their outlook and how they feel they are perceived, scoping topical issues such as intergenerational challenges, identity, gender, religious teachings, mosques and the media. With nearly half of Britain’s Muslims under the age of 25, the findings contained within this research provide an insight into some of the more pertinent questions asked by policy makers, statutory services and community institutions concerning a new generation positioned to make its impact on society.
Click here to read more about this report.
Research on Smoking Cessation material for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale
Status: Completed in January 2009
On behalf of the NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale the Centre conducted research on educational material designed to highlight the dangers of tobacco consumption, specifically aimed at Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities.
Preventing Violent Extremism – Handbook for the Local Government Association
Status: Released in November 2008
The Centre was commissioned to work with the Local Government Association in producing a guidance booklet for Local Authorities on the PVE agenda. The level of challenge from violent extremism can vary across the country. This publication aims to show how local authorities can develop effective partnerships at the community level and share good practice. It can be downloaded for free from the link above.
Mapping Muslim women's organisations in Leicester, for the Leicester Partnership
Status: Released in June 2008
The Centre was asked by the Leicester Partnership to produce a report mapping the community work among Muslim women in Leicester. We found nearly seventy organisations and networks and made recommendation for how engagement can be developed more fruitfully.
Radicalisation in Europe with the Change Institute
Status: Submitted to the European Commission in December 2007
Yahya Birt, as part of a four-country consortium headed by the Change Institute in London, conducted a twelve-month research contract commissioned by the European Commission to examine the beliefs, ideologies and narratives that drive violent radicalisation. The four countries covered by the consortium included the UK, Denmark, France and Germany. Yahya Birt, working for the Policy Research Centre, led the UK Research team with Sadek Hamid, University of Chester.
