Involvement Matters: Shaping the Future of Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health and Social Care research
In association with the James Lind Alliance, HSC Research and Development Division have launched an initiative called ‘Involvement Matters’, which aims to strengthen and improve PPI in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
We aim to work collaboratively with people across Northern Ireland to identify and share a list of priorities for action to help improve PPI practices in Health and Social Care research.
Progress to Date
In September 2025, we launched a survey to explore what was working well, what could be better, and what priorities people felt were important for PPI in Health and Social Care research.
The survey closed on 25th November 2025, and we are delighted to share that we received an excellent response from a wide range of people across Northern Ireland.
In total, 264 people responded — including patients, carers, public contributors, researchers, health and social care professionals, and members of the community and voluntary sector. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who completed the survey and to all the organisations and individuals who helped share it widely. Your insights, experiences and priorities will play a vital role in shaping the future of Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
What Happens Next?
Over the next two months, we will begin analysing the survey responses in collaboration with our Steering Group and the James Lind Alliance. We will:
- Identify key themes, challenges and opportunities raised through the survey.
- Begin developing key priorities for actions and critical reflections for PPI in Health and Social Care research.
- Share updates on progress, findings and upcoming events — including stakeholder workshops and the launch of the key priorities for action.
Please stay tuned to this page for project updates.
Explore More While You’re Here
While analysis is underway, feel free to:
- Watch our PPI animation – explaining what PPI is and why it matters.
- Read more about getting involved in Health and Social Care research
- Browse our resources library for public contributors – this includes information about getting involved in research and what to expect.
- View our resources for researchers – this includes practical guidance, toolkits and templates.
Upcoming PPI Training
Our next session of the popular Building Research Partnerships PPI training will take place on 21st April 2026. For further details and to register please click here.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the project or about PPI in Health and Social Care research more generally, please contact:
Dr Alan McMichael
PPI Lead, HSC R&D Division
Email: Alan.McMichael@hscni.net
Phone or Text: (07591448603)
Additional Information
A PDF of the protocol which provides more detailed information about the project for the can be viewed here.
You can also view the slides from our webinar launch which we hosted on Tuesday 16th September. A recording of the presentation is also available.
This project is funded by the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Resilience and Growth (NICRRG) programme.
Let’s work together to ensure that Personal and Public Involvement in Health and Social Care research truly makes a difference
