Learn Together
‘Learn Together’ is a new initiative designed to empower university staff and students to collaborate ethically with people who are typically underrepresented in research.
From February to May 2026, four community organisations – each representing a different underserved group – will lead open workshops for everyone (all disciplines and career stages welcome) to listen and learn together about how to engage ethically with under-represented groups.
The aim of these workshops will be to co-produce a new set of training materials aimed at researchers around ethical and inclusive community engagement. By participating in these workshops, you will be contributing to this important process and resource output.
Learn Together is lead by members of the Public and Community and Engagement Group.
This initiative is funded by Glasgow Changing Futures.
Learn Together: Launch & Information Session - January 22, 2026
9.30am-12.00pm, Thursday January 22, 2026 | Advanced Research Centre
Join us for the launch of ‘Learn Together’, a new initiative that aims to foster ethical collaboration with communities.
Research shows that while many university staff and students are keen to collaborate with underserved communities, they often lack the confidence or knowledge to do so effectively. In some cases, this knowledge-gap leads to harmful practices that erode relationships.
To celebrate the launch of this programme, we’re hosting an event for staff and postgraduate researchers to share their experiences of community engagement, including any anxieties or barriers that may have limited to your participation. There are no right or wrong answers – we want to hear from you and learn what support is needed!.
We are delighted to be joined by a cross-College panel who will share their experiences of getting started with community engagement – what worked, what didn’t – with the opportunity to share your own thoughts and feedback. We will also share details of the upcoming Learn Together workshops and how to get involved.
Hosted by Zara Gladman (Public and Community Engagement Manager) and Ken Skeldon (University Research Engagement Manager), with the support of the Public and Community Engagement Group.
Workshop 1: British Red Cross VOICES Network - February 26, 2026
The first workshop in our series will be led by Red Cross VOICES Network.
The VOICES network is a collective of refugees and people seeking asylum. Together, they speak out about issues that affect them.
"This is a unique opportunity for refugees and people with lived experience of migration to work directly with researchers, sharing ideas and shaping research that truly reflects the needs and priorities of our communities. By bringing our voices into these conversations, we hope to help create research that drives real change and makes a meaningful impact for people seeking sanctuary.” (Red Cross VOICES Network)
Please note there will be filming and photography at this event.
Workshop 2: Values Into Action Scotland - March 17, 2026
The second workshop in our series will be led by Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS) and will explore ethical engagement with people with learning disabilities or autism.
VIAS are a third sector organisation who believe in a Scotland where people with learning disabilities or autism have the same opportunities as everyone else and are supported to achieve these goals, whether to work, live where they want or to have a relationship.
"Values Into Action Scotland are delighted to be part of this programme to help researchers develop their skills around inclusive practices. We hope this will ensure that people with lived experience of learning disabilities and autism are able to contribute to real, meaningful and inclusive research." (Values Into Action)
Please note there will be filming and photography at this event.
Workshop 3: DIFFERabled Scotland - April 1, 2026
The third workshop in our series will be led by DIFFERabled and will explore ethical engagement with neurodivergent communities.
DIFFERabled are a lived experience led, Neuro-Affirming organisation created by parents, offering support and information to neurodivergent people and their parents, carers and families. DIFFERabled aim to equip the neurodivergent community with knowledge; to understand themselves and their loved ones, allowing the ability to self advocate and improve wellbeing.
"To the 'typical world,' I just want to say, just for once, let me have a calm and easy day" (DIFFERabled)
Please note there will be filming and photography at this event.
Workshop 4: Chance 2 Change Scotland - May 27, 2026
The fourth and final workshop in our series will be led by Change 2 Change exploring ethical engagement with people from low social-economic communities.
Change 2 Change is an established Peer Group operating from the Phoenix Centre twice a week. The people who attend all have lived experience of long term health conditions and of living with the issues being addressed, such as social disadvantage, discrimination or economic exclusion.
"Only when we work together, each valuing the other's expertise, can we find solutions that create the real change that our communities so desperately need" (Chance 2 Change)
Please note there will be filming and photography at this event.
Learn Together Team
Learn Together Steering Group
Zara Gladman - Public and Community Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Kevin Leomo - Community and Engagement Manager, College of Arts & Humanities
Susan Grant - Community Engagement Lead, School of Health and Wellbeing
Fiona Barlow - Impact and Communications Officer, Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory
Kenneth Skeldon - University Research Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Casi Dylan - ARC Events & Engagement Manager, Research Services Directorate
Learn Together Coordinator
Sarah Helen
Learn Together Intern
Tsion Afework Habte