Resources to support involvement in research
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We have curated some useful resources that provide a practical introduction to carrying out involvement in research. They are suitable for public contributors, researchers or anyone wanting to support public involvement in research (with or without research training).
A collection of resources to support public involvement in research
The implementation and involvement team at NIHR ARC South London have brought together a unique collection of resources designed to support involvement in research. These include guidance documents, books, podcasts, training, websites, toolkits and events.
The resources cover essential aspects of involvement including: payment, co-production in research, participatory research, involving Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, involving young people, inclusive language, evaluating research, research ethics and implementation.
The resources are grouped by theme. We have indicated what the resource is, who it is designed for, and have given a brief summary of what it contains.
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An introduction to carrying out involvement
In addition, especially if you are new to research or involvement or looking for key information, we have brought together some free resources below. These resources are suitable for public contributors, researchers or anyone wanting to carry out research.
- What is health and care research?
Free online courseA free online course run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
- Briefing notes for researchers on public involvement in NHS, health and social care research
GuidanceBy the NIHR. Essential reading for researchers new to public involvement.
- UK Standards of public involvement
FrameworkBetter public involvement for better health and social care research.
- 4Pi: A framework for involvement
FrameworkAims to help create meaningful involvement with service users and carers.
- Videos introducing patient and public involvement in research
VideosBy Healthtalk.org. An accessible introduction to PPI in research.
- NIHR Glossary
GlossaryA list of words commonly used in health and care research with explanations of what each word means.
- NHS Jargon buster
ReferenceThink Local Act Personal (TLAP) has a useful care and support jargon buster that includes terms related to health and social care.
- NHS Acronym buster
ReferenceThe NHS Confederation’s acronym buster contains over a thousand commonly used healthcare abbreviations.
- The qualitative open mic podcast
PodcastA series of podcasts covering topics including: what is qualitative research, evidence-based co-design and co-production with young people.
- Toolkit from the Centre for Society and Mental Health
ToolkitFor patients, service users, carers and members of the public who wish to conduct, or better understand, research.
- Imperial College London – Peer Research Training Resource
Training resourceSupports academics and public involvement practitioners to train people with lived experience to become co-researchers in qualitative/interview-based research studies.
- Young Foundation – Peer Research in the UK
ReportA comprehensive introduction to peer research methodology, advocating for its value as a legitimate and insightful research approach with the potential to empower peer researchers.
- Research methods: a practical guide to peer and community research
Online courseA ten-week course to help you identify how to conduct your research.
- Co-producing health, care and research – conversations on a Participatory Action Research approach
VideoAn online workshop recording by Dr Josephine Ocloo and Dr Clare Coultas, King’s College London, NIHR ARC South London.
- Community research toolkit
ToolkitA brief introduction to how to do research in communities, with links to other sources of information.
- Involving diverse communities in research
ReportA co-produced report by our maternity and perinatal mental health theme.
- Young researchers guidance
&
toolkit
Guidance & toolkitBy Barnardo’s. Provides inspiration and inclusive, accessible activities that researchers, project workers and others can use to support children and young people to undertake a research project.
- A co-produced short animated film
VideoCo-produced with people with learning disabilities, this animated film explains why it is important to include people with learning disabilities in research.
- Involving disabled people in social research
GuidanceGuidance by the Office for Disability Issues.
- Involving people when you can’t involve them face-to-face: Sharing experience
GuideDetails experiences around involving people virtually, including tips and ideas.
- Online engagement: A guide to creating and running virtual meetings and events
GuideFocuses on designing and delivering online meetings and events.
- How do I hold a PPI meeting using virtual tools?
FAQ & tipsTips and tricks, plus links to guides on how to hold virtual involvement and engagement meetings.
- Carry on co-producing: handy hints and tips to help you out
BlogTips and ways to co-produce virtually.
Further information
The resources listed above are only a brief selection of some recommended resources to give an introduction to involvement in research.
If you have suggestions on resources that we should include, or would prefer to receive the resources in a format other than PDF, please contact Savi Hensman, involvement coordinator, at: savitri.hensman@kcl.ac.uk
Original source: arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk — NIHR ARC South London legacy content archived May 2026.