Public collaborators play a vital role in shaping research. By sharing time, insights, and lived experience, they help ensure that research is relevant, meaningful, and grounded in real needs.
The Public Collaborator Training Booklet, collaboratively developed Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx) Public Collaborator Group and SPCR Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement lead, brings together a range of training and support opportunities designed to build confidence, knowledge, and skills for patient and public involvement (PPI). The booklet is updated regularly as new opportunities are added.
What’s inside:
The booklet is organised into three training areas:
- Research Methods
- Interpersonal Skills (coming soon)
- Public Collaborator Roles (coming soon)
Each area includes three levels of learning:
- Explore – Introductory materials for those who are new to public involvement
- Grow – Training to deepen skills and support more active involvement
- Support – Peer learning and reflective opportunities for experienced collaborators
Resources include recorded webinars, guides, booklets, and other learning materials. Live training sessions will also be shared on this webpage throughout the year and then added to the booklet going forward.
Why we created the booklet:
Researchers and public collaborators told us that:
- It is difficult to find training designed specifically for public contributors
- It’s not always clear which training is suitable for those new to public involvement vs. those with more experience
This booklet aims to make the training landscape clearer, more accessible, and easier to navigate.
Who it’s for:
The resource is primarily for public collaborators – patients, carers, and members of the public involved in research. The term public collaborator is used because it is preferred by the APEx Public Collaborator Group, who co‑developed this booklet.
Researchers and research groups may also use the booklet as part of their induction for involving public collaborators.
How to use the booklet:
The booklet is free to download and use.
- Download and explore the training areas at your own pace
- Choose learning levels (Explore, Grow, Support) that match your experience
- Check back throughout the year for new content
- Use the materials to build confidence, prepare for involvement roles, and connect with others in PPI
Upcoming Live Training & Development Opportunities:
Alongside our booklet collecting existing resources we plan to regularly share live training and development sessions for public collaborators across the NIHR.
Share your ideas & get in touch:
If you want to add a training session or resource to the booklet, please get in touch. We are always looking for further training and resources to add.
