I need to put an organisation down on the participant information sheet before I submit for ethical approval. Can I nominate INVOLVE to be an independent contact on a study for potential study participants to contact about taking part in the study?

No. INVOLVE does not fulfil this role because our focus is on supporting and encouraging active involvement in NHS, social care and public health research – this is where patients and the public get actively involved in influencing what research is done and how it is carried out, for example through project steering groups or membership of research panels. This role is very different from being a participant in, say, a clinical trial. Therefore it would not be appropriate for us to offer to be the point for contact for participants in a study.

We suggest that you speak with your local Research and Development office in the organisation where your research is taking place. They will have dealt with this query for other researchers and research teams. Sometimes the Patient Liaison and Advice Services (PALS) in NHS Trusts are willing to undertake this role.