Assess the proposal

Was the research question developed with the community it affects?

Look for evidence of community consultation in the proposal design stage — not just recruitment.

Will community members be involved in design, delivery, or analysis?

Meaningful involvement means decision-making power, not just being a "participant" or "advisor".

Who owns the data? Who controls how findings are used?

Check whether the community retains any rights over data use, publication, or future applications.

Is funding shared equitably, or does the community just provide access?

Look at budget breakdowns. Does the community org receive fair compensation or just a token honorarium?

Does the methodology respect cultural context, rather than transplanting frameworks from other communities?

Western academic frameworks often pathologise Black experiences. Look for culturally grounded approaches.

Are the researchers from, or deeply connected to, the community?

Lived experience isn't the only credential, but disconnection from the community is a red flag.

Will findings be accessible to participants — not just locked behind journal paywalls?

Accessible means plain-language summaries, community presentations, or open-access publication.

Does the research address a priority identified by the community itself?

Was this topic chosen because the community asked for it, or because a funder thought it was interesting?

Have the researchers worked with Black communities before? What happened?

Ask for references. Previous community partners can tell you more than any proposal document.

Is there a feedback mechanism if the partnership isn't working?

A clear exit clause and regular check-ins show the researchers take accountability seriously.

How does the research actively safeguard the lived-experience community it recruits from?

Look for a named, accountable safeguarding lead and a deputy on the research team. A duty described as "shared" across partners is a red flag — diffused responsibility is the gap where harm happens.

Is there a trauma-informed safeguarding framework in place specifically for this study?

A generic institutional policy is not a study-level plan. Ask what happens at the moment of disclosure, who records it, and how it escalates.

Does the funding cover accessible, culturally safe support — such as non-Eurocentric therapists — if participants experience distress?

Distress can surface in a session or months afterwards. Check for a budget line, not an intention. No line means no provision.