Aceso Global Health Consultants Join BLACHIR Initiative to Strengthen Data Collection Across Birmingham and Solihull
Aceso Global Health Consultants have been appointed to lead a major new project under the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR). This initiative is focused on enhancing demographic data collection and evaluating data systems to inform more inclusive and equitable health strategies across Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the Birmingham and Solihull (BSol) NHS Trusts.
What the Project Involves
Running from June 2025 to April 2026, this project is designed to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, and utility of demographic data used across the region. It includes two core strands:
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Redesigning Demographic Questionnaires - Working with communities and data stakeholders to refine BCC’s demographic data tools through consultation and usability testing.
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Mapping NHS Data Collection Systems - Conducting a comprehensive review of data collection methods across BSol NHS Trusts to
produce recommendations for a consistent, culturally appropriate system-wide approach.
Evaluation Focus Areas
The evaluation led by Aceso will assess the impact of the redesigned demographic questionnaire on:
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Participation rates
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User experience and comfort
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Data analysis processes and usability
This work will help determine how well the new tools support inclusivity, trust, and cultural sensitivity across the health and wellbeing system.
Why It Matters
BLACHIR is a cross-regional initiative between Birmingham and Lewisham Councils, established to tackle longstanding health inequalities experienced by Black African and Black Caribbean communities. With input from academics, public health experts, and community members, BLACHIR aims to deliver evidence-led, culturally relevant recommendations to shape better services and outcomes for all communities
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What is the BLACHIR Better Data Evaluation?It is a collaborative project between Birmingham Public Health and Aceso Global Health Consultants, aimed at evaluating and improving how demographic data is collected and used across Birmingham’s health and care system.
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Why is this project needed?An updated demographic questionnaire was introduced 18 months ago. Feedback since then has shown it still lacks full community representation and is challenging for analysts to use. This project seeks to address those issues and support more inclusive and consistent approaches to data.
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What are the main goals of the project?1. Evaluate the impact of the current demographic tool 2. Refine the tool for clarity, cultural sensitivity, and usability 3. Map demographic data approaches across the Birmingham and Solihull healthcare system to explore consistent solutions
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Who is leading the evaluation?The project is being led by Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Division in partnership with Aceso Global Health Consultants.
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How does this project link to the BLACHIR Review?BLACHIR key theme 3 ‘Better Data’ calls for action to strengthen granular culturally sensitive data collection and analysis.
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Who can get involved?We want to hear from: - Data analysts working with demographic data - Council or other staff who have used the questionnaire in their work - Community members or organisations who want to share feedback on the questions
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What communities can get involved in this project?This project welcomes input from all communities across ethnic groups, religious or belief communities, disabled people or people with long-term conditions, people of all ages, gender identities, and sexual orientations, pregnant individuals or carers. We are committed to ensuring that the evaluation is inclusive, reflective of Birmingham’s diversity, and shaped by the communities it aims to serve.
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Why is this project not only focussing on African and Caribbean individuals if it is linked to BLACHIR?Many of the recommendations from BLACHIR, especially around data, have wider implications across all communities. To create truly inclusive and culturally sensitive data tools, we need to consider the full range of identities and experiences represented in Birmingham.
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How can I express interest or share feedback?Please email admin@acesoghc.com with subject line: ‘BLACHIR Better Data Feedback’.
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Will there be opportunities to take part in surveys or interviews?Yes. Engagement activities such as surveys, focus groups or interviews will be rolled out later in the project, using a Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) approach. We’ll provide updates as they are available.
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What’s the timeline for this project?The evaluation runs from June 2025 to April 2026. Key updates and opportunities to engage will be shared throughout this period.