Communities First Behaviour Change

This research project will use appropriate evidence-based behaviour change theories to identify factors (e.g. personal, institutional, or systemic) that are barriers or enablers to embedding the CF approach across Northumberland County Council and key partners.

The results of this analysis will support NCC and relevant partner organisations to understand and address these barriers and enablers to move further and faster to adopting the Communities First approach.

Methods and measurement

The Provider will propose their methodology in their tender submission for this work, but broadly it will be expected to include:

• Selection and application of appropriate evidence-based behaviour change theory/theories to underpin the analysis.
• Identification of the target behaviours that professionals and/or organisations need to adopt in order to implement the Communities First approach (also involve identifying current behaviours that do not support the approach and need to change). This would involve initial scoping work with NCC and key system partners to identify the target behaviours.
• Use of appropriate qualitative research methodologies to analyse barriers and enablers for professionals and the wider organisation to delivering Communities First approach, using the evidence based behaviour change theory (see point 1 above).
• Include both retrospective evaluation of adoption to date and analysis of anticipated barriers and enablers for wider adoption of the Communities First approach.
• Provide relevant recommendations to support successful implementation and maintenance of Communities First approach across NCC and key system partners.