The different kinds of support that advisory group members may need include:

Practical support – ensuring panel meetings are accessible (see Briefing note eight and Diversity and inclusion supplement) and fees and expenses are paid promptly.

Emotional / psychological support – to manage people’s frustrations with the research process and any distress caused by revisiting their experiences of illness or services.

On-the-job support – the group might need help and guidance on working together to ensure that everyone feels they are able to get their views across and that certain individuals don’t always dominate the discussions. They may also need advice and / or support on reaching consensus or managing differences of opinion.