Resources to guide and support public involvement for research - for researchers, non-researchers, public contributors.
1. Getting Started
How to Guide for PCIE
A co-designed guide for researchers and public members, introducing the key elements of high-quality PCIE and practical steps to get started.
Getting Started in PCIE
A practical tool to help researchers plan meaningful PCIE activities, best used alongside the How to Guide.
2. Strategic Framework
Public & Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Strategy (2019-2024) Our first strategy outlining how we engaged local communities and the public in applied health and social care research.
Extension PCIE Strategy (2024-2026) Continuing our commitment to meaningful involvement during the ARC KSS extension period.
PCIE Strategy Objectives October 2024-March 2026. Clear objectives guiding our work in the extension phase.
UK Standards for Public Involvement A national framework from NIHR to improve the quality and consistency of public involvement in research.
Learning from Public Experiences in Governance Meetings - What Public Advisors told us This poster brings together real experiences and practical suggestions from public advisors about what helps make involvement in governance meetings meaningful and accessible. Based on feedback gathered during our Impact & Governance Review, it highlights simple, effective ways to support everyone to take part, share ideas, and make a difference. Whether you're a researcher, public member, or part of a wider team, we hope these insights- guided by the UK Standards for Public Involvement will help you create more inclusive and impactful meetings.
3. Guidance for Public Contributors
ARC KSS Public Advisor Welcome Guidance Brochure In collaboration with our Public Advisors, the Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Team has developed a reference guide for new project members joining the PCIE community at ARC KSS.
ARC KSS Public Advisor Buddy Scheme Guidance An initiative to help Public Advisor support one another and feel welcomed and valued. Developed through listening to feedback and collaborating with our Public Advisors, aiming to provide opportunities for Public Advisors to support one another. 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.
4. Practical Tools & Templates
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. A reflective tool for researchers and teams to capture the impact of involvement activities and uses insights to improve future engagement.
Public members role description A clear template outlining expectations and practical details for involvement opportunities.
5. Co-production & Inclusive Research
A Guide to Co-production
The Co-production team at ARC KSS have developed a guide for researchers, services, and commissioners explaining what co-production means, how it differs from Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE), and how to embed it in research. 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.
Guide for Inclusive Research Researchers from ARC West Midlands collaborated with members of the public and patients to produce practical guidance for working with groups traditionally underserved in research.
6. Engagement Activities & Reports
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.
Reaching Out: Building relationships to increase research impact
A summary of an online event where community groups, researchers, and NIHR organisations from Kent, Surrey, and Sussex came together to explore the barriers to ethnic minority involvement in research, and ways to overcome them through partnership working. If you need help finding a specific resource or would like to suggest something new, please contact the PCIE Team. 7. 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.
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