# PHIRST Suggestions for Local Government Intervention Evaluations

**Funder:** NIHR
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/public-health-intervention-responsive-studies-teams-phirst-suggestions-local-government-intervention-evaluations/97060
**Last updated:** 23 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to UK local government organisations only; requires sign-off from Director of Public Health (England) or CEO (devolved administrations). Applicants propose public health interventions for evaluation; a PHIRST research team is then allocated to co-design and deliver the evaluation. Applications must be in English and submitted via the NIHR awards management system.

## Summary

PHIRST Suggestions for Local Government Intervention Evaluations invites UK local government organisations to propose public health interventions for rigorous evaluation. A dedicated PHIRST research team co-designs and delivers the evaluation with the local authority partner, removing the burden of evaluation design from the applicant. The scheme is open across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with applications requiring senior sign-off from the Director of Public Health or Chief Executive.

## Who should apply

- UK local government organisations (councils, health and wellbeing boards, integrated care systems)
- Services with a concrete, implementable public health intervention ready for evaluation
- Applicants able to secure sign-off from Director of Public Health (England) or equivalent senior leader in devolved administrations
- Organisations seeking rigorous evidence on intervention impact without leading evaluation design themselves

## Key dates

- Single-stage application submission via NIHR awards management system

## Tips for applicants

- Director of Public Health or CEO sign-off is non-negotiable; secure this before drafting.
- Frame your intervention as a concrete, time-bound implementation ready to evaluate, vague or aspirational proposals will not advance.
- The PHIRST team co-designs evaluation methodology with you; focus on describing the problem, population, and intervention, not on research methods.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply to PHIRST Suggestions for Local Government Intervention Evaluations?

UK local government organisations only, including councils and health and wellbeing boards, with sign-off from the Director of Public Health (England) or Chief Executive (devolved administrations).

### Do I need to design the evaluation myself?

No, a PHIRST research team is allocated to co-design and deliver the evaluation with you once your suggestion is accepted.

### What countries are eligible?

The scheme is open to local government organisations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

### What types of interventions can I propose?

Public health interventions implemented or planned by your local government organisation that you wish to evaluate rigorously for impact.

### How do I apply?

Applications are submitted in English via the NIHR awards management system.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nihr-phirst-suggestions-for-local-government-interventi-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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