Public and Community Partnerships and Research Inclusion – a discussion with Public Health Engagement Leads

Kasia and Lauren presented a summary of PCP and RI, covering definitions, the many terms for PCP and RI, and the differences between research participation, engagement and involvement. Discussion led onto the ladder of involvement/participation, the SCPHs commitment to PCP and RI support for local authorities and public health research.  

The PHELs shared some valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges around PCP and RI in local authorities, including: funding to involve the public, remuneration for participants, a lack of clear guidance around PCP and RI for local authorities and the need for some guidance and a set of principles on PCP and RI for research in local authorities.  

SCPH offers support and training for local authority colleagues in public health research, we have a series of training webinars, support from our research design advice methodologists, and we will soon be launching two PCP and RI offers; a dedicated PCP Funding Award, and monthly dedicated drop-in sessions with a member of our PCP Advisory Board and Tracey Johns, Public and Community Partnerships Research Adviser for SCPH.

Claire Batey, PHEL and Knowledge Mobilisation Lead at NIHR HDRC Newcastle said: “Local authorities always strive to engage and involve residents in their work, but this can look different in research. It was refreshing to talk openly about PCP and RI, I feel positive that working with SCPH, PHELs can turn some of the challenges into opportunities.” 

Kasia and Lauren, as RI Co-Leads, have committed to updating the PHELs later in 2025 on the challenges and how SCPH can support them.  

Thank you to the PHELs who joined the session;  

Claire Batey, Newcastle City Council 

Gary Bellamy, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham 

Grace Brough, Nottinghamshire County Council 

Kate Gilchrist, Brighton and Hove City Council 

Sedina Lewis, London Borough of Havering 

Vanessa Powell-Hoyland, City of Doncaster Council 

Kate Warren, Wolverhampton City Council