DiverseCity Development Trust has officially launched Empowering Marginalised Communities through Data-Driven Policy Innovation — a new initiative designed to ensure that lived experiences directly inform policy, services, and real decision-making across South Yorkshire.
The programme is funded through the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP) via UKRI ESRC and marks a significant step forward in building a more inclusive, community-led approach to data and policy development.
The launch event, held at City Life International in Sheffield on 19 April 2026, brought together community representatives, partners, and stakeholders, signalling the beginning of a region-wide rollout across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, and Doncaster.
A Strategic Vision Rooted in Community Experience
Kalpa Palliyaguruge, Head of Strategy, Planning and Innovation at DiverseCity Development Trust, said:
“It has been a privilege to design and lead this initiative, drawing on years of community engagement across South Yorkshire.
For too long, many communities have been spoken about, but not always listened to in a way that shapes real decisions.
This work is about changing that — creating a clear and practical pathway from lived experience to evidence, and from evidence to real policy impact.
We are not just collecting data — we are enabling communities to define their own narratives and contribute directly to the decisions that affect their lives.”
A Community-Led Approach to Data and Decision-Making
Across South Yorkshire, many communities continue to be underrepresented in the data that shapes local decisions.
This initiative addresses that challenge by creating safe, accessible, and voluntary pathways for people to share their experiences — in their own words and on their own terms.
At the heart of the initiative is a structured model that connects community voice, data collection, shared insights, community leadership, and policy impact — creating a clear pathway from lived experience to real-world change.
Get Involved
Residents and organisations across South Yorkshire are invited to take part.
Share your experience or become a Community Ambassador:
https://yourvoice.diversecitytrust.org
QR code access is also available across community materials and events, making participation quick and accessible.
Working in Partnership
DiverseCity Development Trust extends its sincere thanks to all partners, community organisations, and contributors who supported the launch and continue to shape this work — including City Life International for hosting the launch event.
Looking Ahead
As the programme moves into delivery across South Yorkshire, DiverseCity Development Trust will continue to share updates, insights, and opportunities for engagement.
This initiative represents a long-term commitment to ensuring that community voice is not only heard — but reflected in real decisions that shape people’s lives.