In 1999 a Support Unit was established to support the work of INVOLVE
and to provide information, advice and support to the public, researchers,
and research funders and those working within the NHS and more recently,
the Policy Research Programme. IN 2009 the Support Unit became a Coordinating Centre. The Coordinating Centre has a contract until
January 2011 with the Department of Health and is based in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
There are eight members of staff (two of whom work part-time) to carry
out and support the work of INVOLVE. They are managed under the umbrella
of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UKCRN Coordinating Centre at the University of Leeds.
(Coordinating Centre Staff are employed by the University of Leeds).
The Coordinating Centre:
builds links with and provides information,
advice and support to members of the public and researchers.
gives talks and workshops and organises conferences on public involvement
in research
has its own website, and keeps a database of research
projects that have actively involved the public
