Approved: 30th September 2019
For review by: 1st October 2020
The Research Design Service West Midlands provides expertise and advice to researchers who are developing funding proposals for research studies. Advice on how to involve patients and the public in research is a key part of this service. RDS WM also offers Advice Clinics and a Public Involvement Fund to support researchers’ public involvement activities.
Our aim is to promote and support excellence in public involvement in research design throughout the West Midlands. This RDS WM strategic work plan sets outs the regional activities to deliver this aim and implement the National RDS Public Involvement Community Strategy and Work Plan. It was developed collaboratively across the Research Design Service, including members of the Keele Research User Group Steering Group, to deliver the recommendations in the NIHR Going the Extra Mile report.
In line with the National RDS Public Involvement Work Plan, we will deliver the following objectives in the West Midlands:
1. Provide high quality advice to researchers about public involvement in research design
2. Improve the quality of public involvement in research design, by promoting and adopting the new UK Standards for Public Involvement
3. Support public contributors to work with us as valued partners in our governance and client support services, using the UK Standards to frame our public involvement activities
4. Promote and communicate RDS activity in public involvement
5. Provide regional leadership to address priorities for public involvement
6. Support coproduction of and community engagement in research design
7. Contribute to national RDS Public Involvement Community to support the sharing of best practice and service improvement
PI=Public Involvement; GtEM – NIHR Going the Extra Mile Report; PILAR - ‘Public Involvement and Lay Accountability in Research’ Regional Public Involvement Network; PI-C - RDS National Public Involvement Community
Activity: 1.1 Bespoke PI advice & support offered to all clients, including access to specialist PI advice.
Link to GtEM : 4. Continuous improvement, 5. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● All advisers equipped to provide PI advice | Ongoing as required |
| ● Access to specialist PI adviser in each local RDS hub |
Ongoing as required |
| ● PI advice recorded in RDS client database | Ongoing as required |
Activity: 1.2 Extend Public Involvement Advice Clinics (including public advisers) across the region
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Evaluation of the pilot clinics at Keele | Jan 2020 |
| ● Advice clinics expanded to Birmingham and Warwick Hubs, or link in with existing programmes (e.g. Birmingham Health Partners) | Jan 2021 |
| ● PI advice recorded in RDS client database | Ongoing as required |
Activity: 1.3 Provide access to a Public Involvement Fund (PIF) to support early PI in national research applications
Link to GtEM : 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● New online PIF application | Jan 2020 |
| ● Number of PIF applications | Annually |
| ● Evaluation of PIF and its impact | Annually |
Activity: 1.4 Provide access to high quality resources on PI to RDS clients (e.g. new RDS PI Guide, Top Ten Tips to good PI
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Access to new RDS Guide on the RDS WM website | Dec 2019 |
| ● New clients provided with the Top Ten Tip guide | Jun 2020 |
| ● Links to other quality resources on the RDS website | Jun 2020 |
Activity: 1.5 Raise awareness and knowledge about public involvement in developing areas of research (e.g. social care, co-production, community
engagement & global health, UK Standards for PI), plus designing for research impact/implementation
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement, 6. Coproduction, 5.Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Hold regional workshops for researchers and public contributors | Bi-annual/as required |
| ● Contribute to learning events held by NIHR and regional partners | As required |
| ● Specialist PI advice in social care, global health research and impact/implementation recorded in RDS client database to inform case studies | As required |
Activity: 2.1 Embed the UK Standards for Public Involvement in our advice to researchers
Link to GtEM: 2. Culture
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Use of a new ‘reflective questions’ crib sheet based on the UK Standards for all RDS advisers to use in client contacts. | June 2020 |
| ● PI advice on the UK Standards recorded in RDS client database | Ongoing as required |
| ● Case examples of how RDS clients have used the National Standards in the planning (grant applications and/or PIF applications) and delivery (PIF evaluation) of Public Involvement in research design | Annually |
| ● Advice on UK Standards included in regional RDS workshops (see 1.5) |
As required |
Activity: 2.2 Contribute to the development of a national RDS Public Involvement Fund (PIF) application and review processes which the UK Standards are embedded
Link to GtEM: 2. Culture, 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Nationally consistent PIF application and review guidance (national activity) embedding the UK Standards | June 2021 |
| ● Regional use of the new PIF application and review guidance with all RDS WM PIF applications | Ongoing as required (after June 2021) |
Activity: 2.3 Contribute to and adopt a national Code of Practice for how the RDS works with public contributors (e.g. advice clinics, regional network (PILAR), RDS advisory group)
Link to GtEM: 2. Culture, 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Contribute to a new National Code of Practice for working with RDS Public Contributors | Jan 2021 |
| ● Regional use of Code of Practice for RDS WM PI activity (see 3.5) | Ongoing as required (after Jan 2021) |
Activity: 3.1 Facilitate the involvement of Public contributors in RDS WM governance activities)
Link to GtEM: 9. Coordination, 5. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● At least one public contributor on RDS Advisory Board meetings (Standard 6 Governance) | 2020 2021 |
| ● At least one public contributor on RDS WM Management and Operations Group meetings (Standard 6 Governance) | Annually |
| ● Partnership with Keele Research User Group Steering Group to advise on and co-develop regional PI plans and initiatives (Standard 6 Governance) | Reviewed annually (Oct) |
| ● Public contributors with relevant experience (Standard 1 Inclusive Opportunities) |
Activity: 3.2 Facilitate the involvement of Public contributors in client support activities (including regional workshops and PI Advice Clinics for clients to support planning and development of PI activities)
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement, 2. Culture
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Public contributor(s) co-presenting at client and RDS staff workshops (Standard 2 Working Together) | As required |
| ● Public Advisers involved in the pilot PI Advice Clinics at the Keele Hub (Standard 2 Working Together) | Ongoing, as required |
| ● Evaluation of the pilot Advice Clinics at the Keele Hub (Standard 5 Impact) | June 2020 |
| ● Involvement of public contributors in the expansion of the PI Advice Clinics at the Warwick and Birmingham Hubs (Standard 2 Working Together) | Jan 2021 |
| ● Public contributors with diverse and relevant experience (Standard 1 Inclusive Opportunities) | Reviewed annually (Oct) |
Activity: 3.4 Facilitate the involvement of a RDS WM public contributor in the PILAR regional PI network)
Link to GtEM: 7. Connectivity
| Output | Timeline |
| ● At least one public contributor representing the RDS WM at PILAR meetings (UK Standard 2: Working Together) | On going |
| ● Public contributors with relevant experience (Standard 1 Inclusive Opportunities) | Reviewed annually (Oct) |
Activity: 3.5 Support the involvement of RDSWM public contributors (All Standards), including:
• Practical & logistical
• Accessible meeting venues and conduct
• Reimbursement & expenses
• Preparation & feedback before/after involvement
• Access to relevant induction/training
• A named RDS point of contact
Link to GtEM: 2. Culture
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Use of a PI code of conduct co-produced with public partners and PI-C (Standard 6: Governance) | Mar 2020 |
| ● A relevant role description & induction for all new RDS WM public contributors (Standards 2 Working Together; Standard 3 Support and Learning) | Dec 2019 |
| ● All RDS WM public contributors involved in regional activities offered payment for the contribution and expenses reimbursed (Standard 3 Support & Learning) |
As required |
| ● All PI partners have named RDS point of contact for enquiries and feedback (Standard 3 Support & Learning; Standard 4 Communications) |
Oct 2019 |
| ● Contribution of public contributors recorded in meeting minutes and feedback provided (Standard 5 Impact) | Ongoing, as required |
Activity: 3.6 Facilitate, encourage and support RDS clients to work with a diverse public contributor community in research design (UK Standard 1: Inclusive opportunities)
Link to GtEM: 10. Community
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Client advice on encouraging inclusive opportunities for PI recorded in the RDS database | Ongoing, as required |
| ● Client interactions with patient and public groups recorded in PIF evaluation (including those linked with RDSWM*) | Ongoing, as required |
* Keele University Research User Group (RUG); University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Patient Advisory Group (PRAG); NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (Birmingham) Trauma PPI Research Advisory Panel
Activity: 4.1 Share RDS support for innovative public involvement in research design and share regionally and nationally
Link to GtEM: 1. Communication
| Output | Timeline |
| ● At least one case study of RDS support for innovative public involvement in research design and share regionally and nationally | Annually |
| ● PI case studies shared on the RDS WM website | On going, as required |
| ● PI case studies included in the RDS WM Annual report | Annually |
Activity: 4.2 Make better use of the RDS website and social media to share our activities with regional partners and public groups
Link to GtEM: 1. Communication 10. Community
| Output | Timeline |
| ● RDS WM website updated with new resources produced by the RDS and our partners | On going review and updated, as required |
| ● RDS WM social media channels used to promote national and regional RDS and NIHR PI events and activity, and to engage with regional partners, in line with RDS communications strategy | On going, as required |
* Keele University Research User Group (RUG); University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Patient Advisory Group (PRAG); NIHR Surgical Reconstruction
and Microbiology Research Centre (Birmingham) Trauma PPI Research Advisory Panel
Activity: 4.3 Identify patient and community groups through our regional public involvement network (PILAR) who we already link to and create new relationships with others (links with 3.6)
Link to GtEM: 1. Communication, 10. Community
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Mapping of regional links with patient and community groups in partnership with PILAR members | July 2021 |
| ● Sustain existing relationship with patient and public groups* and engage with new groups | Ongoing |
Activity: 5.1 Continued support for and coordination of the West Midland’s public involvement network, PILAR, including involvement of regional and national NIHR partners
Link to GtEM: 7. Connectivity
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Quarterly meetings | On going |
Activity: 5.2 Using regional expertise and knowledge through the PILAR network, facilitate shared learning that address regional and national priorities for public involvement
Link to GtEM: 7. Connectivity, 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Regular updates on national initiatives provided to regional partners through PILAR | Quarterly |
| ● Updates to national partners (PI-C, NIHR) to share regional initiatives and activities that address priorities for public involvement | Quarterly |
Activity: 5.3 Contribute to at least one new PILAR initiative which address regional priorities for public involvement
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement, 2. Culture
| Output | Timeline |
| ● RDSWM support for PILAR regional initiative (event or resource) | As planned by PILAR |
Activity: 6.1 Identify and partner with local expertise in coproduction and community engagement as sources of additional advice for researchers
Link to GtEM: 7. Connectivity
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Directory of regional expertise in co-production and community engagement, in partnership with PILAR | Dec 2020 |
Activity: 6.2 Provide guidance to RDSWM advisers on co-production and community engagement (including Global Health) toimprove their understanding and general advice to researchers
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Links to NIHR resources to co-production and community engagement on RDS WM website | Dec 2019 |
| ● Workshops at RDS National and/or WM Staff training events | As required - To be agreed with National and Regional directors |
Activity: 6.3 Collaborate with PI-C colleagues to share learning from the RDS Reaching Out projects to develop community engagement with research in the West Midlands
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Top tips guide for community engagement on RDS WM and PILAR websites | Sep 2021 |
Activity: 7.1 Membership and leadership of the national RDS PI-C group and delivery of the national RDS work plan
Link to GtEM: 7. Connectivity, 5. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Attendance of RDS WM to PI-C | On going |
| ● PI-C Chair | End of term 2020 |
| ● Support of 2 PI-C Public Contributors (see 3.5) | Ongoing, as required |
Activity: 7.2 Contribute to national or cross-regional initiatives to deliver the national RDS PI work plan
Link to GtEM: 5. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Recorded RDS WM contribution to deliver the national RDS PI work plan | Ongoing, as required |
Activity: 7.3 Address training needs of RDS staff regarding public involvement
Link to GtEM: 4. Continuous improvement
| Output | Timeline |
| ● Contribute to a training session on public involvement at regional and/or RDS National Event, or equivalent. | As required |
Regional Public Involvement Lead: Dr Steven Blackburn
Responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation and reporting of our public involvement strategy and co-ordinating support and best practice across the region. Steven is currently Chair of the national RDS Public Involvement Community and Public Involvement Lead for the RDS National Office
Email: s.blackburn@keele.ac.uk
Telephone: 01772 734846
Specialist Public Involvement Advisers in local hubs: Keele Dr Steven Blackburn
Birmingham RDS Advisers trained to provide PI advice, with specialist by support provided by Dr Steven Blackburn, as required
Warwick Dr Jenny Harlock
All RDS Advisers WM receive regular training and updates regarding the role of public involvement in research design
Senior Academic Lead for Public Involvement: Prof Krysia Dziedzic
Public contributors
Public partners bring a wealth of knowledge, lived experience, skills and insights to the research design process. We are very grateful to those who support our work.
We have a small team of public contributors with a variety of lived and working experience who will provide valuable insight in a number of different ways, such as:
Public contributors who work directly with RDS WM have honorary contracts with the relevant institutions 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.
Partner organisations
Through the West Midlands regional network, PILAR, we have created new partnerships with NIHR, NHS and other research organisations in the region. This has allowed sharing of best practice for public involvement and regional collaboration to facilitate public involvement to develop local research. RDS WM will continue to support and coordinate PILAR.
The RDS WM Public Involvement team report to:
Local hub team meetings via the local Specialist Public Involvement Adviser
RDS WM Management and Operations group via the Regional Public Involvement Lead
The National RDS Public Involvement Community via both Specialist Public Involvement Adviser
Work plan progress will be monitored at monthly meetings of the RDS WM Specialist Public Involvement Advisers.
The work plan will be reviewed annually at the RDS WM Management and Operations group and revised accordingly.
