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This archive page presents the national standards in a clear, current reading format. Legacy branding, embedded sharing tools, location details and unrelated page elements have been removed.

Independent guidance for better public participation in health and care research
People contributing ideas during a collaborative workshop
Publication overview

National Standards for Public Involvement

A practical framework for planning, reviewing and improving how members of the public help shape health, public health and social care research.

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About the publication

Benchmarks for meaningful involvement

The standards offer a shared way to describe effective public involvement and to identify practical areas for improvement.

They are designed for people who contribute to research, research teams and organisations supporting health and care research. The framework encourages flexible, collaborative working; a learning culture; clear communication; and the sharing of useful practice.

Public involvement means people working with researchers to influence priorities, plans, delivery and communication. It is different from taking part in a study as a research participant.

A framework for reflection

The standards are not a checklist to complete once. They provide prompts for discussing what is working, where barriers remain and what should change next.

What the standards cover

The publication brings together six connected areas for teams and organisations to consider when developing their approach.

01

Inclusive opportunities

Make opportunities visible, accessible and relevant to people with different experiences and circumstances.

02

Working together

Build relationships based on mutual respect, shared expectations and clear ways of working.

03

Support and learning

Offer preparation, practical support and opportunities to develop confidence and knowledge.

04

Communication

Use plain language, explain decisions and make it easier for people to contribute meaningfully.

05

Impact

Record how public contributions influence decisions and share that learning with contributors.

06

Governance

Embed involvement in leadership, planning and review so it has sustained attention.

Using the framework

Begin with an honest discussion of the purpose of involvement in a project or programme. Identify who needs to be included, what decisions remain open and what support will make participation possible. Review progress during the work, not only at the end.

  • Agree which areas are most relevant to the work in hand.
  • Include public contributors in planning and review conversations.
  • Keep a clear record of contributions, decisions and follow-up actions.
  • Share learning in accessible formats and explain where suggestions could not be taken forward.
Putting it into practice

What good preparation can include

Set a clear purpose

Be specific about influence

Explain which questions, decisions or materials can be shaped through public involvement.

Plan access from the start

Reduce barriers

Consider formats, timing, information needs and practical support before inviting people to contribute.

Make communication two-way

Share context and feedback

Provide understandable information and report back on what happened after discussions.

Learn as you go

Review and improve

Use regular reflection to identify changes that can strengthen involvement in the next stage.

Questions about the standards

Frequently asked questions

Who can use these standards?

They can support members of the public, research teams, funders and organisations that want to review or improve public involvement in research.

Are the standards only for large organisations?

No. A small project can use them to guide a focused conversation, while a larger programme can use them to support broader planning and review.

Do the standards replace a project involvement plan?

No. They can inform a plan, but teams still need to set out their specific purpose, contributors, methods, support and review points.

How can public contributors use the standards?

They can use the headings to ask clear questions about the purpose of involvement, practical support, communication and how their input will be recognised.

How should a team show impact?

Maintain a simple record of ideas raised, actions taken and reasons for decisions. Return to this record with contributors as the work progresses.

Where can I find related guidance?

Explore the resource centre, including materials for planning involvement and communicating research clearly.

Need a starting point?

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