Public and community

“I’ve always had an interest in how the public can contribute and take greater control of their welfare, especially groups who have historically little voice and/or control over their health.

Working in partnership with researchers is a necessary part of this journey. I’ve developed a working relationship where I can constructively challenge and offer a patient/public perspective which I believe has a positive impact on the outcomes of the research.”

Angela Ruddock / PCIE group member

Members of the public and communities are encouraged to get involved with our research. Different communities have varying experiences and needs when it comes to health and social care. Your input can help improve the relevance of our research and increase its impact.

What does this involve?

Public involvement is when research is carried out with or by members of the public, such as patients or those in contact with health or social care, their carers, and community groups.

Individuals and groups work with and alongside our researchers to ensure the research we design and carry out addresses the patient safety challenges faced across health and social care.

Effective involvement can help improve the outcomes of research. We follow the NIHR’s approach to public involvement and engagement.

Public engagement is when researchers engage with members of the public and wider communities by listening and working with them to develop and carry out research, and to share research findings.

There are various ways of doing this, including running workshops, creative arts events, and media coverage.

We also value the involvement of other NIHR-funded centres (infrastructure), NHS and care systems, and the voluntary sector across the East Midlands and Greater Manchester, where our researchers are based. Read more about this work on our health and social care page.

Participating in our research

There are many opportunities for you to participate in our studies. This can include joining a focus group, completing a questionnaire or being interviewed. Any opportunities to participate will be posted here.