Co-producing a research project is an approach in which researchers, practitioners and the public work together, sharing power and responsibility from the start to the end of the project, including the generation of knowledge.

This guidance is a first step in moving toward clarity about what we mean by co-producing a research project. It explains the key principles and features of co-producing a research project and suggests ways to realise the principles and key features. Finally, the guidance outlines some of the key challenges that will need addressing, in further work, to aid those intending to take the co-producing research route.

Pages: 20

Welcome to the fourth issue of our IN: Bulletin.

This bulletin looks at the Health of adults who have a learning disability

Welcome to the third issue of our IN: Bulletin.

This bulletin looks at how Ruth got involved with health research and how she perceives the journey.

Welcome to the second issue of our new IN: Bulletin.

This bulletin looks at the involvement experiences of Fred and Dave who have been involved in different ways alongside Lead Researcher Shireen Patel from CLAHRC East Midlands.

Welcome to the first issue of our new IN: Bulletin.

The IN Bulletin provides an opportunity to share journeys in public involvement.  For public members and researchers or staff to show what is really needed in terms of support and resource alongside the impacts for all parties.  Future IN bulletins will showcase public reviewers, researchers working in challenging areas, service users who have travelled to become service user researchers.

We hope you will enjoy hearing personal accounts of public involvement, the differences made and if you have a journey to share please contact us.

My background is in education – secondary, FE and HE – and in the management and delivery of training.

I have lived with a long-term condition for over 20 years, and have provided hands-on care, support and advocacy for relatives with co-morbid conditions. My experiences have given me considerable learning and insight, and a passion to find ways to co-produce to ‘make a difference’ and contribute to change that will deliver long-term widespread benefits to patients, professionals and healthcare provision in general.

I am particularly interested in the area of self-management for people with long term conditions and hidden disabilities – both in raising public and professionals’ awareness, and in supporting and developing its practice through the timely provision of appropriate resources and support.

I am involved in co-production at local, regional and national level, and am keen to contribute to, and ensure there is, meaningful and effective public involvement at all stages of service delivery and research. I have participated in a variety of research studies, and I am currently a member of a number of advisory groups and a research partner. I am particularly interested in the areas of Learning and Development, and Community and Partnerships.

I’ve worked in research since the late 90’s in different contexts, including whilst working for user-led organisations and as a survivor researcher in University departments.  My interest in involvement originates from activism in service delivery settings.

Currently I am also a trustee for the National Survivor User Network, a member of Shaping Our Lives National User Group and a member of the PPI Reference Group for NETSCC within the NIHR, as well as being active in my local area.  I have a particular interest in involving communities who are marginalised and/or not usually involved and am currently doing a PhD in involvement in Palliative Care research.