A collection of resources to support public involvement in research for researchers, non-researchers and public contributors.
How to Guide for PCIE
The PCIE Team co-designed this guide in collaboration with researchers and public members to help you get started with Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE). Aimed at both researchers and public members, each section offers a brief introduction to the key elements needed for high-quality PCIE. Additional resources beyond the How to Guide that may be helpful to researchers and public members:
Public & Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Strategy As part of our commitment to delivering meaningful public and community involvement and engagement in our work - engagement that makes a real difference - we launched our first PCIE strategy. This followed ARC KSS’ original submission to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), which outlined how we would engage and involve local communities and the public in applied health and social care research during the initial five-year period (October 2019 to October 2024). To continue this commitment, we also produced an Extension PCIE Strategy to cover the ARC KSS extension period from October to March 2026. PCIE Strategy Objectives October 2024-March 2026.
UK Standards for Public Involvement
Produced by the NIHR, this framework outlines what good public involvement in research looks like. It is designed to help researchers and organisations improve the quality and consistency of public involvement in health and care research.
ARC KSS Public Advisor Welcome Guidance Brochure
In collaboration with our Public Advisors, the Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Team has developed the Welcome Guidance Brochure as a supporting reference for all new public members joining the PCIE community at ARC KSS.
ARC KSS Public Advisor Buddy Scheme Guidance
Through listening to feedback and collaborating with our Public Advisors, the PCIE Team has developed a Buddy Scheme. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for Public Advisors to support one another. Whether you're new to the role of a Public Advisor in research or bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, joining a new organisation can feel daunting. We believe everyone joining ARC KSS as a Public Advisor deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout their journey. The ARC KSS Public Advisor Buddy Scheme has proven to be a positive step for both the PCIE Team and the wider PCIE community. You can discover more by reading the summary here.
ARC KSS Public Involvement Network (PIN) Body Mapping activity In June 2024, the PCIE Team met face-to-face with PIN members to connect in a relaxed, enjoyable, and engaging way - encouraging conversation, collaboration, and information sharing. As an alternative to the usual reviewing and development of word-heavy documents, the PCIE Team took a more creative approach by using a participatory research method known as Body Mapping.
A Guide to Co-production
The Co-production team at ARC KSS have developed a guide for researchers, services, and commissioners to clarify what co-production really means, how it differs from Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE), and how it can be used as part of the research process. This guide is intended as an introduction and serves as a springboard for anyone keen to learn about co-production and how to embed it in their work.
Reaching Out: Building relationships to increase research impact
This report summarises an online event where community groups, researchers, and NIHR organisations from Kent, Surrey, and Sussex came together to explore the barriers to ethnic minority group involvement in research. The event also focused on identifying ways to address these barriers through partnership working. Guide for Inclusive Research Researchers from ARC West Midlands collaborated with members of the public and patients to produce guidance aimed at supporting researchers in their work with groups that are traditionally underserved by research. We've created a range of downloadable forms and templates to support researchers and public members in planning meaningful PCIE. These resources are designed to help with everything from budgeting and recruitment to accessibility and evaluation. If you're looking for further support, we also offer additional guidance documents. These materials are regularly updated based on feedback and evolving practice. If you need help finding a specific resource or would like to suggest something new, please contact the PCIE Team.
Getting Started in PCIE
A practical worksheet designed to help researchers focus their thinking as they develop a PCIE plan for their research. It may be especially helpful when used alongside the How to Guide for PCIE, offering a structured starting point for planning meaningful public and community involvement and engagement.
Public members role description
A simple, clear template designed to formalise involvement opportunities for public members. This written agreement helps outline expectations, roles, and practical details - ensuring transparency and mutual understanding from the start.
The patient and public involvement (PPI) impact log The Patient and Public (PPI) Impact Log, developed by People in Health West of England, is designed to support better PPI practices through regular reflection, learning, and feedback. It encourages researchers and teams to capture the impact of involvement activities and uses insights to improve future engagement.
Training Resources:
Learning for Involvement
NIHR's Learning for Involvement offers a wide range of training and resources to support public involvement in research. These materials are designed for both public contributors and researches, helping build confidence, knowledge, and skills for meaningful involvement.
Learning and Development Finder
The ARC KSS Academy learning and development finder is a searchable tool populated with details of regional and national courses, webinars, face-to-face events, and practical workshops. It covers a wide range of topics - including public involvement and is designed to support researchers, public members, and professionals in developing their skills and knowledge.
If you have any questions or need support, feel free to email the
