Principles for public and community involvement in public health research in local authorities

1. Trusted partnerships

Positive and trusted relationships are at the heart of public and community involvement in public health research. Investing time is important to build this trust.  

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Create a working together document such as – Memorandum of understanding, Terms of reference, ways of working etc. 

• Develop an understanding of each other's processes and work approaches such as payment processes, auditing and reporting systems.    

• Find ways for everyone to feel listened to and heard 

• Start the partnership development with a discussion on mutual understanding of each other's priorities and needs 

• Develop and agree the best ways for everyone to communicate, sharing learning and feedback. 

• Deal with disagreements and challenges together. 

2. Share power, learning and resources  

Involvement in public health research should be for mutual benefit. A commitment to sharing power, resources and learning is important. 

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Deliver joint training to ensure everyone learns and develops 

• Identify clear roles and remits and make sure these are documented and agreed 

• Create glossary of terms and words each partner uses 

• Recognise and be open and honest that communities, residents and local authorities hold different forms of power.  

• Value the experience and expertise that everyone brings. 

3. Set clear expectations

Involvement in public health research should be done with openness and honesty so that there are clear expectations from every partner involved.   

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Arrange induction sessions for everyone to understand each other's work and organisations 

• Be open about the process and what you aim to do together.  Could this be visualised in an image or diagram for you all to understand. 

• Be honest and discuss what is expected from all involved.  

• Be honest about any legal and financial constraints. 

4. Varied and meaningful involvement

How people get involved in public health research should be meaningful to them. People will want to be involved in different ways - consider different ways to get involved and what you can achieve together.    

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Understand why you are asking people to be involved and how everyone will benefit. 

• Support people to get involved in the way they feel most comfortable. That may be in meetings or just once at a community centre etc. 

• Build different entry points and ways for communities and residents to be involved. Think about all the ways you can engage beyond just a central public/community involvement group.  

• Acknowledge people for their involvement. This can be done different ways including naming people and partners in official documents, paying people for their time etc.  

5. Test and learn

Be flexible. Be prepared to change and evolve the research and involvement.  

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Test different creative ways of working together. Scope and choose an evaluation method such as Ripple Effect Mapping, Theory of Change or PIRIT to shape and show the different you make together.  

• Reflect and evaluate how things are going on a regular basis. Include a ‘you said, we did’ standing item at meetings or create a newsletter or email bulletin to feedback. 

• Capture learning and adapt your approach. Plan in reviews and check ins on how work is progressing and change if needed. Case studies are a powerful way to show the difference you are making together. 

6. Identify impact

Ensure knowledge from public health research and involvement activities is shared with communities and residents is an important step in building long term trust and positive working relationships.   

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Identify and jointly agree the change you want to achieve through your research at the start with everyone. 

• Explore opportunities for community members and residents to gain new skills through taking part. Perhaps through a survey or audit of skills or confidence levels. 

• Ensure community members and residents are part of the conversation when research is shared with policy makers and practitioners. Include them at meetings, events and reporting.  

7. Be inclusive

Public health aims to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We can only succeed in this if we have diverse public and communities involved in research.    

Examples of how to achieve the principle

• Consider how you can support voices of those rarely heard in public health research to get involved.  

• Consider different ways people may be excluded from getting involved such as digital exclusion. 

• Use accessible language, that represents all those involved. 

• Share findings from research in accessible formats (e.g. plain English, translated, formats such as video and infographics).