Why Do People Get Involved?
We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we are working together to ensure that the voices of local people are at the heart of everything we do.
Here are some of the reasons our public members have shared for getting involved:
Who Can Get Involved?
Are you an adult (18 or over) living in Kent, Surrey or Sussex? Do you have experience of Health or Social Care Services? We'd love to hear your views and experiences to help shape our research and improve the Health and Social Care Service people receive.
How Can You Get Involved?
We have two opportunities for members of the public who'd like to get involved in the work of ARC KSS.
Public Contributor:
As a public contributor, you'll become part of our research family and have the opportunity to be involved in locally based research projects. We'll let you know when opportunities become available via email and our dedicated online space. There is no minimum or maximum commitment, you can pick and choose involvement opportunities based on your interests and availability.
Signing up is a simple process, and completing the enrolment form helps us get to know you a little better. Once you've submitted the form, we'll send you more information about how to stay in touch and hear about upcoming involvement and participation opportunities. If you'd like more information or would prefer an informal chat, please click here to email the PCIE Team or call us on 0300 304 0125.
Public Advisors:
Public Advisors are valued members of the ARC KSS team. They bring the voice of patients, service users, carers and communities into discussions and decision-making, helping to shape both the research we undertake and the way ARC KSS works. Linked to a research theme or programme area, Public Advisors work in partnership with researchers and professionals to ensure that lived experience and community perspectives help guide our priorities and future direction. No research experience is needed – we value the unique experiences, insights and perspectives that people bring.
Hear from our public members about why they joined ARC KSS and how they have been involved.
Board Public Advisors:
A Board Public Advior brings a public perspective to ARC KSS Board decisions, helping make sure the organisation is well run, inclusive, and doing what it promises for NIHR, the host Trust and local communities. They help keep inclusion and public involvement strong at the highest level of decision-making.
Click here to read Michelle Gardener's blog which explains where she feels her involvement as a board member has already made a difference and what she is hoping to achieve.
If you are interested in observing an ARC KSS Board meeting (these are public meetings) visit our Governance page for further information.
