Within the Care and Outcomes Research Centre (COReC), we are committed to meaningful public involvement and engagement throughout the research process, ensuring that it is conducted with or by people, not just to or about them. We aim to facilitate a process of two-way learning, improving the overall quality and value of the research, and subsequent health and social care.

We are committed to involving the public in all stages of COReC research, from early research design through to delivery and communication, and will provide opportunities to be involved at various stages of the research cycle.

PPIE Team

Research Advisors

We are supported by a network of nationwide research advisors. Through our strong commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in research, we involve a diverse group of people, with experience of accessing care and/or caring, and who are passionate and committed to working with researchers and partners to enhance health and social care research design, delivery and impact.

Our research advisors can be involved in a variety of activities dependent on the scope of the project, the needs of the researchers and the research advisor’s personal interests. Examples include:

• Reviewing project materials, like a plain language summary, project applications, reports or presentations to make sure they are understandable to a wide audience, accessible and ‘jargon free’.
• Sharing knowledge, experiences, and insight gained through being a carer and/or patient or someone who uses health and care services.
• Being part of an advisory group, research group or new public involvement and engagement initiative.

Public Involvement and Engagement Manager

Our public involvement and engagement is supported and lead by COReC’s Public Involvement and Engagement Manager, Sarah Birch (s.j.birch@kent.ac.uk).