Public Involvement Research group

The work of the PIRg

The Public Involvement in Research Group (PIRg) was established by CRIPACC in 2005. Its work is varied but, most importantly, the group collaborates with researchers to bring lay voices and opinions to studies, which helps to keep them grounded and in touch with patient and public perspectives.

The PIRg adopts a 'hub and spoke' approach to membership and involvement. The 'hub' is a permanent centralised group with a core membership of around 15 people. The 'spokes' utilise local users of services, and existing PPI groups and networks for specific projects. These spoke members increase diversity and participation when and where appropriate.

Professor Julia Jones is the Chair of the PIRg and the group is co-ordinated by Sonya Prime.

Activities undertaken by PIRg hub members

Members of the hub group are involved in a variety of ways depending on their experience, interests and capacity. Support and training (where appropriate) are given to members. Typical activities include:

• discussing ideas for research proposals before a bid is written
• reviewing bids, protocols, patient information sheets, and report
• helping to develop topic guides/questions/research tools
• representing the lay view on research project management groups
• acting as a co-researcher (where appropriate) – this may include assisting in recruitment, helping to gain consent, chairing focus groups, undertaking data analysis, ensuring vulnerable participants are supported
• sharing experiences with researchers
• assisting and commenting on poster design and abstracts
• helping to present research findings at conferences
• making recommendations for dissemination of research results
• representing CRIPACC – this may include interagency collaboration and cross working with other educational organisations
• working collaboratively with other research networks
• providing the lay perspective on a number of post graduate courses including and the Doctorate in Health Research.

Are you interested in joining the PIRg?

If so, please contact Sonya Prime for further information

Information for local Researchers

Are you a researcher looking for public involvement in your research?

PIRg members are people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and they are involved in a range of health-related projects and at any stage of the research process.

Contact Sonya Prime for more information.