Public Involvement and Engagement Resources
Resources, tools and guidance to support meaningful partnerships with people and communities throughout the research process
SPCR follows NIHR guidance and standards for public involvement and engagement. This page brings together selected resources, tools and learning opportunities to support meaningful partnerships with people and communities throughout the research process.
We recommend that researchers familiarise themselves with the UK Standards for Public Involvement, the NIHR Briefing Notes for Researchers on Public Involvement, and the SPCR Involvement and Engagement Strategy to understand SPCR’s commitment to involvement and engagement.
Researchers applying for SPCR funding are required to describe their public involvement and engagement plans as part of their application. Public involvement and engagement should be integrated throughout all stages of SPCR-funded research, from study development and delivery through to dissemination and implementation, ensuring that research is relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of patients, the public and communities. Researchers can seek advice from their local PPIE Lead when planning involvement and engagement activities.
Local Department Support
Each SPCR member department has dedicated public involvement and engagement expertise, guidance and support.
Your local SPCR PPIE Lead should be your first point of contact for advice on:
- planning involvement and engagement activities
- identifying and recruiting public contributors
- local networks and opportunities
- local payment processes
- training and development opportunities
- institution-specific guidance
Resources and Webinars
PPIE in Practice
The SPCR’s Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in Practice Series showcases the range of public involvement and engagement activity happening across the School through video and written case studies. The series also aims to foster learning about different approaches to involvement and inspire others about the ways in which the public can be involved in research.
Public Collaborator Training & Development Booklet
Inside, you’ll find training organised into three areas: Research Methods, with Interpersonal Skills and Public Collaborator Roles coming soon. Each area is structured around three levels of learning, so you can pick up wherever feels right. Explore offers introductory materials for those new to public involvement. Grow deepens your skills and supports more active participation. Support brings together peer learning and reflective opportunities for experienced collaborators.
The resources span recorded webinars, guides, booklets, and other learning materials. We’ll also share live training sessions on this webpage throughout the year, adding them to the booklet as we go.
Looking for something else?
The NIHR has an online sharing platform where you can search for resources, tools and guides related to public involvement.
