Involvement opportunities

Involvement opportunities

Working with us as a public contributor

We have a team of public contributors with a variety of lived experience who provide valuable insight in a number of different ways, such as:

  • Membership of our Management Board to provide a public perspective and ensure that we meet the requirements of our contract with the Department of Health.  Please meet our current members, Stephen and Tricia below.
  • Panel members providing public insight at our review panels and workshops  throughout the year including Bid Development Workshops, Pre-Submission Panels and Mock Interviews for NIHR Fellowships
  • Co-facilitators involved in developing and delivering induction and training for RDS staff and clients
  • Representing the RDS as members of regional partnership meetings and other appropriate events.

All of our public contributors have honorary contracts with University of Essex which enables them access to relevant learning and support and also reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. We also offer payment in lieu of time according to the nature of the involvement. If you are interested in finding out more about involvement opportunities with RDS East of England please contact Tracey Johns. We are especially keen to hear from people who have diverse lived experience.

Other opportunities for involvement in our region

Researchers are always keen to involve members of the public to help ensure that their research is relevant and well designed.  We regularly help to broker introductions between members of the public and researchers to develop and plan specific research projects.

For more information about active public involvement in all aspects of research, please visit the NIHR patient and public involvement web pages.

To find involvement opportunities which match your interests and experience and near to where you live see People in Research.

Reasons to get involved

Being involved in research can be interesting, rewarding and enjoyable.  You will be doing something important and may contribute to increasing medical knowledge.  It can also provide opportunity to meet new people with similar experiences.

How much you get involved is up to you and there are a wide range of opportunities. Training and support will be provided according to your needs.  In addition, expenses and fees as appropriate will be covered. Here you can hear from people who are involved in research as public partners about the impact it has had upon them.

http://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences/medical-research/patient-and-public-involvement-research/topics

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in getting involved in research and would like to know more about the opportunities available in the region, please contact Tracey Johns.