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 infographic (click to expand below) gives an overview of QSO’s public involvement and engagement functions, you can also find out more in the sections below.
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. |
 | Lisa Richardson- Public Involvement and Engagement Manager Lisa is the Public Involvement and Engagement Manager for QSO, overseeing the implementation of the Public Involvement and Engagement Strategy. Lisa co-ordinates and supports the involvement in research of Lay Research Advisors (members of the pubic) who are part of the Public Involvement Research Advisor Network (PIRAN). Furthermore, she offers support to research teams with their public involvement and engagement activities. Lisa is pleased to hear from members of the public who wish to contribute to QSO’s research. As a member of the public, you can find out more about getting involved in research by contacting Lisa by e-mail or phone. L.J.Richardson-29@kent.ac.uk | (0)1227 824967 |
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.
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.
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 Lisa, 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