1. University of Wolverhampton
  2. Research
  3. Inclusive Communities
Student communicating in the canteen

Inclusive Communities

Our Inclusive Communities research brings together experts working to understand how social, cultural, and environmental factors shape people’s everyday experiences. We explore how to create places where individuals feel connected, supported and able to access opportunities that improve quality of life. By examining inclusion, equity and community development from multiple perspectives, our work helps inform approaches that strengthen cohesion and wellbeing.

We collaborate with local groups, charities, public bodies and partner organisations to support initiatives that promote participation, broaden access, and encourage stronger community engagement. Through these partnerships, our research contributes to projects that enhance social belonging, improve resilience, and ensure that diverse voices are represented in decisions that affect their communities.

Research Centres

Research Projects

Showcasing Award Winning Impact

We proudly recognise Dr Samia Mahmood and Professor Roya Rahimi, winners of the Transformative Impact in Inclusive Communities Award at last year’s Beyond Future Festival, for their leadership in inclusive innovation, digital transformation and support for women‑led SMEs. Their work spans international, national and regional initiatives that combine applied research with practical delivery to empower women through entrepreneurship and digital upskilling.

A flagship project, Elevate, funded by the British Council, supports women entrepreneurs in Hatay, Turkey, following the 2023 earthquake, helping them rebuild and grow resilient businesses through digital tools, AI and targeted capacity‑building in partnership with local universities and NGOs. Alongside this, Samia and Roya lead a West Midlands‑based initiative addressing digital skills gaps for women‑led SMEs in disadvantaged communities, delivering tailored training, practical toolkits and influencing local policy to create more inclusive, future‑focused support systems.

Supporting Inclusive Economic Development in Somaliland

The Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT), led by Ella Haruna, is working in partnership with a range of stakeholders to support the Somaliland Fund for Development. The Fund is an initiative of the Government of Somaliland and is backed by several national funders, including the UK, with the shared aim of promoting inclusive economic growth and job creation across the country.

CIDT’s contribution has focused on strengthening economic inclusion and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods, aligning closely with the core objectives of the Somaliland Fund for Development. Through this work, CIDT has also played a key role in supporting evidence‑based government decision‑making, contributing to policy development and strategic planning across multiple sectors of the economy. These include livestock, agriculture and water, as well as other priority areas essential to long‑term economic resilience in Somaliland.