In 2010 I started working as a freelance research management consultant in health and social care. Prior to that I managed and developed research at the UK-based cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Support and for the Department of Health and NHS in the East of England. In my current work I look for opportunities with my clients to promote public involvement in their research. At Macmillan I developed a research funding scheme with public involvement at its heart, as well as promoting involvement widely with researchers and funders. I have experience as a cancer carer and have lost a number of close family and friends to cancer. This was one of the main motivations for working for Macmillan and for my interest in the involvement of patients and the public in research and in the development and management of health services.