Public Contributors

As well as taking part in research as a research participant, members of the public can get involved in research as a Research Champion  or a Public Contributor. On this page, there is a brief description of each role. If you would like more information or want to volunteer, please email ppie@crnyorkshumber@nihr.ac.uk. 

Research Champion

A Research Champion:

• can be a patient, carer, member of the public or person  who may or may not have taken part in a research study

• is trusted by the communities they associate with/support/lead

• is passionate about getting more people to benefit from research, because they understand it is very important to the development of better care and treatment for everyone

Being a Research Champion entails:

• Talking to patients and the public about health and care research. For example, giving talks in schools.

• Promoting specific research and tools to support research such as Be Part of Research

• No specific time commitment

Research Champions are supported in the following ways:

• Registered and inducted as NHS Volunteers

• Receive training 

• Receive recognition and personal expenses payments (if asked to deliver certain projects)

Public Contributor

A Public Contributor:

• is a volunteer who provides the public perspective and or their personal experiences in research planning and delivery

• works a a member of research teams/with researchers

• can be a patient, carer, member of the public or person  who may or may not have taken part in a research study

• is passionate about getting excellent quality research done so we can develop better care and treatment for everyone

Being a Public Contributor entails:

• Being an advisor on national/regional/local research project groups

• Presenting at conferences and staff training events

• Participating in the recruitment and selection of research staff

• Contributing to the development of research and research resources such as websites and patient leaflets

Public Contributors are supported in various ways including:

• receiving an induction from volunteer services in NHS Trusts

• receiving support from the Research and Development team with whom the Public Contributor is working

• receiving relevant training and recognition payments