Background As researchers strive to conduct culturally competent and equitable research, there remains a lack of actionable guidance across the research lifecycle. Increasingly, funding bodies require evidence of such approaches, yet a clear, practical direction for effective research practice is often lacking.Aim To develop a practical framework, grounded in Meleis' cultural competence criteria, to guide all stages of the research lifecycle.Methods Databases PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar were searched (August-October 2025) for English-language publications applying Meleis' framework in research contexts. Narrative and thematic analysis synthesised identified applications into draft recommendations and measures across five research stages. A modified Delphi process with 31 experts (community leads, researchers, policymakers and translators) in two survey rounds and a consensus workshop was then used to refine and finalise items, producing a co-developed framework of actionable, measurable recommendations for culturally competent research with minoritised and/or diverse groups.Results The review identified eight studies, yielding 41 applications of Meleis' criteria. These were distilled into 29 draft recommendations and measures, which were further refined through Delphi consensus to 25 recommendations and 25 measures, offering practice-ready guidance across research focus, recruitment, measurement, analysis and dissemination. Contextuality was rated critical in four stages, highlighting how cultural identities shape engagement. Language was strongly prioritised in focus, recruitment and measurement, with emphasis on diverse, well-funded interpretation and transcription strategies. Empowerment and reciprocation were noted as underused but essential for legitimacy and impact, particularly in focus and dissemination. Continuous cultural humility training was endorsed, reinforcing critiques of competence as a static skill. During consensus discussions, recommendations initially framed as optional ('could') were reframed as compulsory ('should'). The final framework is available as an accessible online resource.Conclusions Using consensus, an evidence-based, culturally competent research framework was co-designed; it comprised 25 recommendations that are actionable, measurable and adaptable by researchers, policymakers, community leads and others. This framework represents a crucial step towards fostering equitable and impactful research practice.Patient or Public Contribution A patient and public involvement group of three patients from minoritised backgrounds and two health professionals met twice to review findings, refine components and provide feedback on language, accessibility and usability.

INTRODUCTION:People from ethnic minorities in the UK face barriers to appropriate mental health care, including cultural stigma, language barriers and discriminatory practices. Culturally competent mental health services are proposed as a way to reduce these disparities, but implementation is limited. AIM:To establish consensus among ethnic minorities, carers, public advisors and health professionals on core components of culturally competent mental health services. METHODS:A three-stage Delphi process was conducted: two survey rounds followed by an online consensus workshop. Participants rated the importance of statements on a 9-point Likert scale covering lived experience, systemic challenges, cultural sensitivity and community-based support. Consensus was prespecified as ≥ 70% participants rating an item as important (scores of 7-9). Free-text responses in Round 1 and workshop discussions informed wording and grouping of recommendations. RESULTS:Sixty-six took part in this study, including 34 service users, 3 carers, 3 public members and 26 professionals. Forty-seven items reached consensus across four sections: lived experience of isolation and stigma living with mental health, systemic challenges for people from ethnic minorities seeking health services support, improving cultural sensitivity and support in services, and community-based support. These were interpreted through four overarching themes in the workshop co-production: understanding mental health in cultural context, raising awareness through community engagement, equipping interpreters and health professionals for inclusive mental health support, and driving systemic change towards collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and continuity of mental health care. CONCLUSIONS:This study co-developed 46 recommendations that can be used as a checklist to support the development, design and delivery of culturally competent mental health services. The findings suggest that improving cultural competence will need system-level and community-informed changes, including stronger peer support, mental health education, advocacy and co-production. The recommendations can guide commissioners and providers when reviewing service pathways and planning improvement work and offer a starting point for piloting and validating a practical checklist for routine use. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:A project advisory group of four patient representatives and three team members met six times, reviewed and piloted survey materials, advised on recruitment, and contributed to analysis and final recommendations.

Background Existing health inequalities and the lack of timely and appropriate support have long been a reality for many ethnic minority individuals living with mental health conditions, even before the pandemic. Limited access to services and the absence of culturally or religiously embedded care have led to increased severity of mental health problems.Objective To explore the complexity of interactions between ethnic minorities and mental health services and their experiences of seeking and receiving mental health support throughout the pandemic.Methods Semi-structured interviews with purposive and snowball sampling of ethnic minorities aged over 18 (n=32) across North East and North West in England were analysed using a framework approach.Findings Five themes were generated. Cultural stigma attached to mental health could lead to fear and reluctance to seek support. Individuals struggled to engage with non-culturally sensitive health services. Instead, they indicated a strong preference for wider community support, which continued through the pandemic despite interrupted health services. A collaboration between mental health services and ethnic minority communities was advocated to shape services to cultural contexts and improve patient-centred service delivery.Conclusions Ethnic minorities with mental health face significant challenges and disparities in seeking and engaging in mental health services. They often seek support from multicultural community settings even though the support is not specifically targeted at addressing mental health issues. Understanding cultural beliefs, religious influences and family and community structures are necessary components of culturally appropriate care.Clinical implications Culturally sensitive mental health services need to be integrated into existing systems through initiating collaborations with ethnic minority communities that tailor services to meet the needs of diverse populations, improving overall engagement and experiences.