Accessible starting points
Plain-English material helps readers understand the purpose of involvement and the roles it can take.
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About this site
Clearer routes into public involvement
Involvestory is an editorial resource for people who want public insight to have a meaningful place in health, public health and social care research.
Our purpose
Practical information for shared research decisions
Public involvement is stronger when people can understand the choices in front of them, contribute their experience and see how their input has been considered.
Involvestory brings together accessible explanations, planning prompts and reference material. It is designed to help members of the public, research teams and organisations approach involvement with care, clarity and realistic expectations.
The site focuses on useful questions: what can be influenced, who should be included, what support is needed and how learning can be shared after a decision is made.
What you can find here
Guidance that supports informed collaboration
Use the site to build a shared understanding before a project starts, while it is underway and when its learning is ready to share.
Resources for planning
Briefing notes, learning resources and examples support teams in making involvement part of their work.
Visit the resource centre →Questions for better practice
Prompts help teams consider inclusion, communication, support and the visible influence of public contributions.
Read common questions →
How we can help
Useful material for common challenges
Make information easier to use
Use clear language, explain necessary terms and make space for people to ask questions before decisions are needed.
Use the jargon busterBuild involvement into research
Set out a purpose, identify suitable contributors and create a plan that is proportionate to the work.
Read briefing notes for researcherRecord what changed
Keep track of contributions, decisions and feedback so participants can understand the influence of their involvement.
See current work
Our approach
Good involvement is planned, supported and visible
There is no single model for every project. These principles help keep public involvement purposeful and respectful.
Start with purpose
Be specific about the decision, question or material that public insight can genuinely help shape.
Invite fairly
Consider relevant experience, accessible routes into involvement and the support people may need.
Work openly
Share information in usable formats, listen to different views and make roles and boundaries clear.
Respond and reflect
Explain what happened after input was received, including decisions that could not be changed and why.
About Involvestory
Questions about this resource
Who is this site for?
Involvestory is for members of the public, researchers, practitioners and organisations interested in meaningful involvement in health, public health and social care research.
Does the site replace local advice?
No. The site offers general guidance and practical prompts. Research teams should also consider the requirements, support and governance arrangements relevant to their own work.
Where should I begin if I am new to involvement?
Start with the introductory material, then explore guidance that reflects your role or the stage of work you are considering.
Can researchers use these materials when planning a study?
Yes. The resource centre includes material to help teams plan involvement, communicate clearly and review what was learned.
How can I understand unfamiliar research terms?
The jargon buster explains commonly used terms in clear language.
How can I ask about a topic on this site?
You can send a concise question through the contact page or email the site directly.
Keep exploring
Email Involvestory
Find a useful next step
Whether you are learning about public involvement or planning research, Involvestory can help you identify relevant guidance and resources.