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 developed an initiative called ‘Involvement Matters’, which aims to strengthen and improve Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health and Social Care research across Northern Ireland.
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, 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. 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.
We are delighted to share that the interim report highlighting the key results from the survey is now available: please click here to view. A summary of the recommendations for action can also be found here.
What Has Happened Since the Interim Report?
Since the interim report, we have made significant progress. 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.
What Happens Next?
The final project report will be published in late June 2026. On the 24th June, 1 – 2pm, HSC R&D are holding a webinar to launch the final report. You can sign up for the webinar here. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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
