RecruitingInterventional

Group model building to address dietary health inequalities in English Local Authorities

This study aims to tackle the problem of unhealthy diets and diet-related illnesses, especially in poorer areas of England. We know that things like food prices and what healthy options are available can make a big difference. While big national changes take time, local councils have a better chance to make quick, impactful changes in their communities. This research will test whether a special workshop, called Group Model Building, can help local councils better understand why some people eat unhealthily. The goal is for councils to create stronger, more effective local plans to help everyone have access to healthier food. Some councils will take part in the workshops, while others will continue as usual, to help us compare the results and see if the workshops work.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

Start

15 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Workshop approach called Group Model Building (GMB) can help local authorities better understand dietary health inequalities

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK, especially in less well-off areas, struggle with unhealthy diets and related health problems like type 2 diabetes. This is often linked to how much healthy food costs, whether it's easily available, and wider issues in our food system. While changes can be made at a national level, these often take a long time to happen. Local councils, however, can act more quickly and work with local groups to find practical solutions that fit their community.

This study wants to see if a specific workshop style, called Group Model Building, can help local councils improve this situation. The workshops aim to help councils really understand what causes unhealthy eating in their area and then develop better, more effective local plans to tackle these problems. We want to find out if these workshops lead to more positive changes in local food policies.

The study will also look at how people involved in the councils understand these dietary challenges and if their views change over time. We'll also work out the costs of running these workshops. To do this, we'll pick councils at random to either take part in the workshops or continue with their usual activities. This way, we can fairly compare the two groups and see if the workshops make a real difference in helping communities eat healthier.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve healthy eating in English communities, especially in struggling areas.
It tests if special workshops help local councils create better food policies.
Some councils will get workshops, others will continue as usual, for comparison.
Participation involves meetings, a one-day workshop for some, and interviews for all.
Benefits include better understanding, stronger local teamwork, and new policies.
The main 'risk' is the time commitment, but you can leave the study at any point.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for local councils across England to take part. Specifically, we'll start by inviting councils from the areas that face the biggest economic challenges, meaning they are among the 40% most deprived in England. However, all English local councils are eligible to participate.

Within each participating council, we're looking for a 'Key Informant'. This is usually someone who works for the council and has a main responsibility for food policies or for dealing with inequalities linked to diet. This person will help coordinate the council's involvement.

For the councils that are chosen to do the workshops, we'll also need local decision-makers from different important areas, as well as representatives from community groups that focus on food. These people will be vital in sharing their local knowledge and helping to map out solutions during the workshops. People joining the study should be aged 18 to 99.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your local council located in England?
Does your council have an existing food strategy or similar plan?
Is there someone in your council whose main job involves food or dietary inequalities?
Are you able to participate in a one-day in-person workshop if your council is chosen for it?
Are potential participants aged between 18 and 99 years old?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your local council takes part, you'll first be interviewed at the beginning of the study to understand your current policies on healthy eating. Then, your council will be randomly placed into one of two groups.

If you're in the 'Intervention group', you'll have online meetings with the research team and get access to a website with local food data. The main part is a one-day, in-person workshop where you'll map out local food challenges and find solutions. Afterwards, there will be about three short online follow-up meetings over three months to refine these solutions. Workshop participants will also fill out a short questionnaire before and after the workshop. Some councils might also have researchers observe meetings or conduct interviews.

If your council is in the 'Control group', you'll continue with your usual work during the study. You'll only take part in the initial interview and another one 12 months later. At the end of the study, you'll receive all the workshop materials for your council to use. The study plans to start inviting councils in April 2026, and all data collection is expected to be finished by June 2028. Participation is completely voluntary.

Potential risks and benefits

There are several possible benefits to taking part in this study. You could gain a much clearer shared understanding of dietary health inequalities within your local area and foster stronger teamwork among local partners. The study might also help your council create new policies or strengthen existing ones, offering you access to special tools and local data. Your participation would also contribute to national evidence, helping to show what really works to improve health across the UK. The risks involved are considered very low. The main commitment is your time for meetings, workshops, and interviews. While discussions might touch on sensitive topics, researchers will make sure they are handled respectfully. Remember, you are free to stop participating at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxfordshire County Council - County Hall
City only
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is 'dietary health inequality'?

It means some people have unhealthier diets and related health problems because of where they live or their circumstances, often due to things like food costs or availability.

What is 'Group Model Building'?

It's a structured workshop where people work together to understand a complex problem, like unhealthy eating, by mapping out what causes it and identifying solutions.

Will my council get to use the workshop methods if we're in the control group?

Yes, if you're in the control group, you'll receive all the workshop materials and information after the study has finished.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national organisation that supports research and innovation.

How can I find out more about the study?

You can contact the main study coordinator, Emma Lachasseigne, via email at Emma.Lachasseigne@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

How to find out more

Emma Lachasseigne

ekw30@cam.ac.uk +44 (0)1223 330315 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.