ARC East of England’s new public involvement impact report highlights how, over the last six and a half years, the ARC has collaborated with patients, carers, and communities to make research more relevant, fair, and useful for everyone.
We are pleased to share the release of Shaping Research Together: Our Public Involvement Impact. This report celebrates our collaborative achievements with public contributors, community organisations, and researchers in shaping how research is designed, delivered, and communicated. Through these partnerships, more than 2,300 public contributors have been involved across the programme, shaping both our research and our strategic direction.
“This report demonstrates what is possible when diverse voices are not only welcomed but embedded at every level of decision making. Indeed, the very idea for this report came from our Public and Community Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PCIEP) group themselves, reflecting how deeply they are involved in guiding our work and priorities.”
Professor Wendy Wills, Director of NIHR ARC East of England
The report features case studies showing how people’s insights have led to clearer information, better services, stronger partnerships, and practical improvements in the health and care system. Over the past six and a half years, we have worked with a wide range of communities across the region, particularly those often underrepresented in research, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, Muslim populations, people living with dementia and their carers, migrant and refugee groups, neurodivergent individuals, and many others.
“I felt valued to be part of a group helping make care easier for people like me.”
Anonymous, public contributor in an ARC East of England study
“I’ve learned so much from being involved and hope I’ve made a real contribution to both research and my community.”
Anonymous, public contributor in an ARC East of England study
The report aims to encourage researchers and organisations to embed inclusive approaches and recognise the value of listening to communities. It demonstrates that when people with lived experience guide decisions, the outcomes are more meaningful and more likely to create real change. The report also aims to inspire others across the country to adopt similarly collaborative approaches.
Download the Shaping Research Together: Our Public Involvement Impact report below:
If you would like to receive a physical copy, please email the ARC East of England Core Team at ARCOffice@cpft.nhs.uk.