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 delivered an initiative called ‘Involvement Matters’, which aimed to strengthen and improve Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
Project Overview
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.
In total, 249 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.
An interim report highlighting the key results from the survey was published and made widely available: please click here to view. A summary of the recommendations for action can also be found here.
On 29th April 2026 we held our knowledge exchange workshop. The workshop was attended by a wide range of people including public contributors, Health and Social Care professionals, and representatives from the community and voluntary sector, Ulster University and Queen’s University, Belfast.
Before the workshop, the 51 recommendations within the interim report were condensed into ten PPI focus areas. Attendees were sent a document outlining the existing PPI resources for each focus area in advance to support discussion and avoid duplication. This document can be read here.
The 10 PPI focus areas formed the basis of discussions at the knowledge exchange workshop with the aim of identifying overarching priorities for action. You can read the consolidated notes and draft priorities for action based on the group discussions here.
Final Report
The final report presents the findings from the survey and knowledge exchange workshop. 14 priorities for action were identified and are organised under the following four cross-cutting themes:
- Early, Sustained and Meaningful Involvement
- Training, Capacity Building and Support
- Relationships, Trust and Inclusive Involvement
- Implementation, Recognition and Impact
Together, these priorities provide a roadmap for strengthening Personal and Public Involvement in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
- Click here to view the Final Report
- Click here to view a summary of the Final Report
- Click here to view the priorities for action
What Happens Next?
The publication of the final report marks an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey.
The findings from Involvement Matters are already helping to shape future work to strengthen PPI across Northern Ireland. Importantly, the project highlighted that strengthening PPI is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between the public, researchers, universities, funders, Health and Social Care organisations, and the community and voluntary sector.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, experiences and expertise throughout the project. Together, we can continue to strengthen Personal and Public Involvement in research and ensure that research is shaped by the people and communities it is intended to benefit.
Explore More While You’re Here
- 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
Please contact Cara McClure (Cara.McClure@hscni.net) to find out when our next session of the popular Building Research Partnerships is being held.
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.
Funding Acknowledgement
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
