Introduction
Recognising the distinct features of a policy research unit (PRU) we are committed to enhancing our work through public involvement and engagement, and see this as an integral part of research which is policy relevant and of public benefit.
Our vision for meaningful PPI/E is where interactions between the public and researchers facilitate a process of two-way learning, improving the overall quality and value of the research and subsequent policy.
PI-SIG feeds into all aspects of the unit’s work through providing strategic direction and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of different approaches.
The membership of this group incorporates two PPI Co-leads, two PPI Advisors, along with the Unit Directors, senior researchers and the Public Involvement and Engagement Manager.
Public Involvement Strategy and Implementation Group – The PISIG |
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 | Jennifer Bostock- PPI Co-lead and Strategic Research Advisor Jennifer is the joint PPI Co-Lead for 3 Policy Research Units (QSO; PIRU & PH) & member of the PPI groups for ASCRU & Cancer Diagnosis/Screening PRU. She sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Behavioural Science PRU. For QSO Jennifer is jointly responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of PPI across the PRU. |
 | Matthew Baker- PPI Co-lead and Strategic Research Advisor Matthew is the joint PPI Co-Lead for 3 Policy Research Units (QSO; PIRU & PH). For QSO Matthew is jointly responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of PPI across the PRU. You can find out more about Matthew’s other work and interests here. |
 | Dr Alison Allam- Strategic Research Advisor Alison is a Research Advisor for the Public Involvement Strategy and Implementation Group (PI-SIG) and the Engagement and Dissemination sub-group. Along with other members of the PI-SIG Alison helps to shape how PPI is implemented in the PRU. You can find out more about Alison’s other work and interests here. |
 | Anica Alvarez Nishio- Strategic Research Advisor Anica is a Research Advisor for the Public Involvement Strategy and Implementation Group (PI-SIG). Along with other members of the PI-SIG Anica helps to shape how PPI is implemented in the PRU. You can find out more about Anica’s other work and interests here. |
The PI-SIG also consists of the following academic members |
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| Julien Forder- Director | |
| Helen Hogan- Associate Director | |
| Ray Fitzpatrick- Associate Directoror | |
| Karen Jones- Senior Research Fellow | |
Through their involvement in QSO the public work with us to shape our research and are involved in all stages of its conduct, delivery and communication. The research themes of this unit will involve people with direct experience of a condition, or a service (whether as a patient/service user or carer and members of the pubic), who are able to offer a wealth of expertise and knowledge which will shape research and policy in health and social care.
Our five strategic objectives for public involvement and engagement in the QSO PRU are depicted below:
You can find out more about our public involvement and engagement strategy for QSO by reading our strategy page.
PIRAN, is a network of Lay Research Advisors with different backgrounds and experiences in relation to health and social care. Members are based across the UK. PIRAN advisors are matched to QSO research projects and join research teams to provide a lay perspective.
Patients and the public will be involved at the earliest opportunity. Through our approaches to PPI/E we will seek to involve people in a range of activities throughout the research cycle (see diagram below).
Examples of opportunities for involvement include, but are not limited to: generating ideas, helping projects to better communicate with and recruit participants. Lay-researchers will have opportunities to be involved in data collection processes such as peer interviewing, analyses of data, through to providing interpretation and comment on relevance and implications. Involvement in dissemination plans and activities will also be highly valued as part of QSO PRU’s public engagement work.
Support for research advisors will come from the Public Involvement and Engagement Manager, PI-SIG strategic advisors, as well as the research teams themselves. We also host an annual event and offer quarterly advice sessions for researchers and advisors to bring along their involvement questions and queries. Research Advisors new to QSO may like to read our welcome document.
Members of the public are paid for their time and expenses. Our payment policy and claims form is available below – click to download.
Support for public involvement in research is available from Sarah Birch, the Public Involvement and Engagement Manager, as well as from PI-SIG’s Strategic Research Advisors.
- We can offer bespoke PPI advice, tailored to specific projects at any stage; although we always encourage the earliest possible involvement in planning and involving Research Advisors.
- Through the Public Involvement and Engagement Manager, support is provided to broker Research Advisor Involvement (request form below).
- We can offer links to other networks to support QSO research
- We have a FAST-Track Review Service for grant proposals and an Extra Fast-Track Review Service for Covid-19 studies
- Through our PPI Co-lead Jennifer Bostock we offer an Ethical Advisory and Review Service
- Lay Summary writing
- Training on PPI & Ethics (via arrangement with the PPI manager)
- Support for Public Engagement- from reports, blogs and social media to events planning and organising.
We are here to help and are free for all QSO staff to use. Please request PPI support here
QSO PRU has a Public Involvement and Engagement Manager – Sarah Birch – who co-ordinates the work of PI-SIG and has responsibilities for coordinating the involvement of members of PIRAN in projects.
The PRU has set up a dissemination and impact subgroup of PI-SIG. A key function of the subgroup is to advise on the dissemination and translation into practice of the research findings from all themes.
PPI advisors working on PRU projects will be engaged in co-authorship of academic articles, co-presenting at clinical and public events/conferences and will be advocates and spokespeople for our work when engaging with policy makers and the wider public.
Clink this link to submit a log entry about your PPI experience.