A clear purpose
Say what people can influence and how their knowledge relates to the question the project is trying to answer.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers for meaningful public involvement
Explore practical questions about involving people in health, public health and social care research—from getting started and planning support to communicating clearly and learning from contributions.
Start here
Public involvement is a shared part of research
Public involvement means people contribute their knowledge and experience to research decisions. It is different from taking part in a study as a participant.
There is no single model for every project. Good involvement is purposeful, accessible and clear about what people can influence. These answers offer a useful starting point for members of the public, researchers and organisations.
The essentials
Questions about public involvement
What is public involvement in research?
Public involvement is research carried out with or by members of the public, rather than only about them or for them. People may help set priorities, comment on plans and materials, advise a team, help interpret findings or support communication about a project.
The term “public” can include patients, potential patients, carers, people who use health or social care services, and people with relevant lived experience or community knowledge.
Is involvement the same as taking part in a study?
No. A study participant provides information or data as part of the research. A public contributor helps shape decisions about the research itself—for example, its question, design, materials, delivery or communication.
When should public involvement begin?
Begin as early as possible, while the research question and approach can still be influenced. Early discussion helps a team understand which perspectives are important, what practical barriers may exist and where public input can make a meaningful difference.
How do I find people to involve?
Start by considering whose experience is relevant to the research question and which perspectives may otherwise be absent. Build relationships through appropriate community groups, networks and organisations, and allow time for conversations rather than treating recruitment as a last-minute task.
Make the opportunity understandable: explain the purpose, expected time, available support, how decisions will be made and how people can express interest.
How should a team support public contributors?
Offer information in accessible formats, explain technical terms, agree ways of working and give contributors enough time to review material. Discuss practical needs early, including meeting formats, access requirements, preparation and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses where applicable.
Do people need ethics approval to advise on research?
Public contributors who help plan, advise on or review a research project are usually involved as advisers rather than research participants. Requirements can depend on the project and setting, so teams should check the relevant guidance and discuss uncertainties through their usual research governance route.
How can I write a plain-English summary?
Write for an interested non-specialist reader. Explain the question, why it matters, what the project will do and how people may be involved. Use short sentences, everyday wording and clear explanations for any terms that cannot be avoided.
How can a project show that involvement made a difference?
Keep a simple record of what contributors raised, what the team decided and the reasons for that decision. Share feedback with contributors throughout the work, including when a suggestion cannot be taken forward. This helps make influence visible and supports learning for future projects.
What good practice includes
Plan for influence, access and feedback
Practical support
Make information, meetings and ways of contributing as accessible and manageable as possible.
Visible learning
Record decisions, share feedback and use what the team learns to improve the next stage of work.
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