ARC NWC is delighted to introduce the FOR-Equity Thermometer and Screening Tool, a ground-breaking resource designed to propel the mainstreaming of equity in health research for organisations. 

Developed through an extensive collaborative process, the tools are the result of Dr. Katerina Panagaki and the Public Adviser Health Equity Mainstreaming (HEMs) team’s engagement with colleagues, participation in workshops, and valuable input from various stakeholders.  

Now live and accessible to organisations, the FOR-Equity Thermometer and Screening Tool aim to bridge the gap between understanding the concepts of health equity and effectively applying them in practice. 

Dr Panagaki provided an overview of the concept, “The FOR-Equity Thermometer utilises color-coded levels, ranging from red to purple, providing a visual representation of an organisation’s equity status. 

 It addresses the pressing need for assessing equity sensitivity and tracking progress in health research for organisations. Moving upwards requires meeting the criteria of each level, prompting users to reflect on what is needed to maintain progress and reach the next level.” 

Working in tandem with the thermometer, the FOR-Equity Screening Tool allows users to assess their equity temperature through 8 key questions. This facilitates progress tracking for multiple teams and projects, offering a comprehensive approach to advancing equity in health research. 

Dr. Katerina Panagaki led the development of these tools in response to a surge in requests for equity support from organizations from public advisers. She emphasizes, “The primary objective of the FOR-Equity Thermometer and Screening Tool is to guide teams and organizations in assessing their equity sensitivity and navigating their equity journey effectively.  

By incorporating an equity lens into health research, we aim to promote applied research that responds to real community needs, facilitates implementation in practice, and ultimately leads to impactful outcomes.” 

Organisations with websites or intranets are encouraged to explore making the FOR-Equity Screening Tool available to their audience. Reach out to Dr. Katerina Panagaki to discuss potential collaborations in ensuring this valuable resource reaches a wider audience. 

Recognising the potential challenges in navigating the equity journey, the HEMS PAs Group extends an invitation to those in need of assistance. Whether gaining confidence in interpreting equity temperature or planning the next steps, personalized support packages are available. Contact Dr. Katerina Panagaki at k.panagaki@lancaster.ac.uk to explore tailored support options. 

ARC NWC invites individuals and organisations to join in this transformative journey towards equity in health research. The FOR-Equity Thermometer and Screening Tool represent a significant leap towards mainstreaming equity in health research 

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the ongoing development of these tools. Share your thoughts, questions, or queries on X (former Twitter) with the hashtag #ImplementEquity or directly contact Dr. Katerina Panagaki at k.panagaki@lancaster.ac.uk.