Help with research

You can help with research through public involvement which plays a crucial role in research by allowing members of the public to contribute their time and personal experiences to shape the direction and methods of the research.

This involvement is integrated throughout the entire research process, ensuring the research addresses the needs and concerns of the people it aims to benefit.

Through public involvement, those who will ultimately be affected by the research findings or changes in healthcare and practices have a say in the process. This can happen in various ways, such as:

• Prioritising research: The public can join funding panels to help decide which research projects should be supported, focusing on those that are most important and deserving.
• Planning studies: the public can help with the planning of research studies, ensuring they are conducted in a respectful and responsive manner, addressing the needs of participants.
• Improving research delivery: Public members can offer valuable insights on how research is conducted, leading to a better experience for study participants.
• Applying research findings: The public can also help with suggesting practical ways to implement research findings, ensuring that people can benefit from the new knowledge gained through the study.

In Health and Care Research Wales, we have a public involvement community where people can register to help shape health and social care research.

Joining as a public involvement member has many benefits. You can help shape research that affects you, your family, or friends by sharing your experiences. Your input improves research questions, leading to better treatment and care. You'll meet new people, learn valuable skills, and receive a weekly bulletin with research opportunities. Joining is easy through online registration or contacting the team. As a member, you’ll get expenses reimbursed, receive payment for your time, and access benefits advice.

Health and Care Research Wales has a dedicated team, Peter and Emma, who help support the public to get involved in research.

Would you be interested in meeting the team? We wholeheartedly encourage it! Whether you have questions about public involvement or simply want to engage in a friendly conversation with one of our team members, we're here to help you. It's a fantastic chance to explore all aspects of public involvement and gain valuable insights into becoming part of our dynamic community.

Our team can provide valuable assistance in various areas, including:

• Providing information and resources available in the frequently asked questions section.
• Discussing the opportunities where you can help make a difference.
• Offering support and guidance to help you get involved effectively.
• Providing training sessions to improve your understanding of public involvement including:
  • An introduction to public involvement in research.
  • Introducing the UK Standards for Public Involvement through the training package for Wales.
• Finding out about research news and events

If you haven't had the chance to meet us yet and are interested, we offer a warm invitation to do so. Just complete your details on our form, and one of our team members will reach out to you to schedule a date.

The Health and Care Research Wales Communications, Engagement and Involvement team provides customised training on public involvement in research, tailored to suit your organisation’s or community’s unique focus.

We are happy to attend your club, organisation or group and provide information about the research happening in Wales and opportunities for members of the public to help shape that research. Our team can tailor the session to suit your group’s focus and needs and we can also provide information about us in adapted formats such as easy-read. If you help run a group, club or organisation working with members of the public and would like us to provide you with a free session, or would like further information please contact the team.

Since 2019, Health and Care Research Wales has taken significant strides in improving public involvement and engagement in health and social care research in Wales.

Working collaboratively with members of the public, researchers and key organisations, we have gathered valuable insights into their experiences and aspirations for public involvement.

From these discussions, we have created a shared plan called 'Discover Your Role in Health and Social Care Research'.

To put this plan into action, we launched our Public Engagement and Involvement Forum in January 2021, providing an inclusive platform for all interested individuals. We host three online forums per year. The forum is open for anyone to join, and we encourage your participation. To become a part of this community, simply get in touch with us by email. We value your contribution!

The Welsh Government Research and Development division, through Health and Care Research Wales, is responsible for establishing policies that prioritise excellent public involvement in all health and social care research conducted in Wales.

To achieve this goal, Health and Care Research Wales worked with various organisations to develop the UK Standards for Public Involvement. These standards serve as a comprehensive guide and toolset to ensure meaningful public involvement becomes an integral part of the research process.

Together with other research partners in the UK, Health and Care Research Wales is dedicated to enhancing the scope and quality of public involvement. Our commitment lies in integrating excellent public involvement into every aspect of their work, making sure that research genuinely serves the needs and interests of the public.

If you are a researcher and would like to involve the public in your research please email us.