Set priorities
People can help identify questions that matter in everyday life and highlight gaps that research should address.
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What is public involvement in research?
Public involvement means research is shaped with people who bring lived experience, practical knowledge and different perspectives to the decisions that matter.
The essential idea
People can help shape research at every stage
Public involvement brings research teams and members of the public together to discuss priorities, plans, materials, decisions and how findings are shared.
The people involved may have direct experience of a health condition, care service or community issue. They may also bring the perspective of family members, carers or people who are likely to be affected by the work.
Good involvement is purposeful. It gives people enough information and support to contribute, makes clear what can be influenced and reports back on how their input was considered.
Where involvement helps
From early questions to shared learning
There is no single role for every project. The most useful approach depends on the research question, its likely effects and whose perspectives are needed.
Improve plans and materials
Contributors can review study information, recruitment approaches, questionnaires and practical arrangements for participants.
Share useful findings
Public insight can help teams explain results clearly and identify the audiences who need to hear about them.
What meaningful practice includes
More than asking for a view
01 / Purpose
A clear reason for involvement
Start by explaining which decisions are open, why public experience is relevant and what the team hopes to learn.
02 / Access
Practical support to contribute
Use clear information, suitable formats and flexible ways to take part so involvement is not limited to the easiest voices to reach.
03 / Respect
Time, knowledge and boundaries recognised
Create a welcoming process, avoid unnecessary jargon and be honest about the limits of influence and available time.
04 / Feedback
A visible record of learning
Explain what changed because of contributions, what did not change and the reasons behind those decisions.
A simple approach
How teams can begin
Involvement is strongest when it is planned early and reviewed throughout the work.
Identify the decision
Describe the question or choice where public insight could make a meaningful difference.
Find relevant perspectives
Consider who has experience that connects to the work and what barriers may prevent participation.
Work in accessible ways
Share information clearly, allow time for discussion and agree how contributions will be handled.
Report back and learn
Record influence, explain outcomes and use the learning to improve the next stage.
Continue learning
Guidance for the next question
Use these starting points to explore roles, planning and practical support in greater detail.
Getting involved
Find out what public roles can involve, what questions to ask and how to prepare for a first conversation.
Read the public guide →How to involve people
Plan a transparent, inclusive process that gives contributors a genuine opportunity to influence research.
Plan involvement →Practical resources
Explore reference material for researchers, including plain-English guidance and involvement standards.
Browse resources →Common questions
Questions about public involvement
Who counts as a member of the public?
This can include people with direct experience of a condition or service, carers, family members and people from communities affected by a research topic. The right perspectives depend on the work.
Do people need research experience to be involved?
No. Lived experience and everyday knowledge are valuable forms of expertise. Teams should provide information and support so people can contribute with confidence.
Can public contributors influence every decision?
Not always. Teams should be open about which decisions are available for discussion, explain constraints and describe how contributions will be used.
When should involvement start?
It is most helpful when research questions and plans can still be influenced. Early involvement can also help teams build realistic, accessible arrangements for later stages.
How can researchers use clear language?
Use everyday wording where possible, explain necessary technical terms and check whether summaries make sense to people outside the research team. The jargon buster can help.
Where can I find more detailed answers?
Visit the frequently asked questions page or browse the wider resource centre.
Need a starting point?
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