Help and support for you

We value accessibility to opportunity and share these widely. We want to help all communities to access them equitably so we try to consider any potential barriers (such as language, a physical location of a meeting or timing for instance) before sending them.

We will share learning and ideas that you and others may have about being involved in the research, so others can benefit from your experience or suggest solutions. We want to build productive relationships with our patient partners.

We will work with you to find ways for you to play an active part in the decision-making process and governance of our research. Perhaps you may want more information or access to a mentor? Never attended a formal meeting before? Talk with us.

We offer a variety of support and learning tools to help you get involved and can work with you to adapt them to your own needs. For example, if you prefer to learn more about being involved in research at night or at the weekend, tell us.

Our communications should always be clear. If support in understanding or accessing our work is needed, let us know how we can help you.

We will value your involvement and seek ways to show our appreciation and report the difference it has made to our work.

We are developing a new learning and training programme to support new and existing public research partners.

• Jargon buster: definitions of terms commonly used in public involvement in research
• Starting Out Guide – Why and how to get involved in research
• Being a co-applicant on a research study
• Being on a Trial Steering Committee
• What is co-production?
• NIHR information for the public about getting involved in research
• NIHR interactive course for new and experienced patient public reviewers
• UK Standards for Public Involvement
• NIHR guidance on Plain English Summaries
• Guidance on payment for members of the public
• Sense about Science – Making Sense of COVID-19 Testing (PDF)

Many other guides and training are available on the NIHR Learning for Involvement website.

We offer several things to help you be involved with research. These include:

• dedicated contact for questions and information
• payment and reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• arranging travel and other accessibility needs
• supporting your attendance to meetings