Institute for Volunteering Research joins national pledge to strengthen public involvement in research
By: Communications
The Institute for Volunteering Research (IVR), based within the University of East Anglia’s Research Centre, has joined a national pledge that aims to increase public involvement.
The Shared Commitment to Public Involvement is led by the Health Research Authority (HRA) and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), as well as more than 30 major health and research organisations.
Prof Fiona Poland from the School of Health Sciences said: “For over 25 years, IVR has produced leading research on the role and value of volunteering, showing the difference volunteers make.
“The Shared Commitment was developed with members of the public and leading health and social care bodies, following a notable reduction in public involvement in studies during the COVID19 pandemic.
“It includes a joint pledge focused on improving the consistency, quality and inclusivity of public involvement, which is an important step in the right direction.”
Public involvement refers to the many ways researchers work with patients, carers and wider communities. It ensures that people have a meaningful role in shaping what research happens and how.
Dr Matt Westmore, Chief Executive of the HRA, said: “It’s great to have the Institute for Volunteering Research join our Shared Commitment to Public Involvement.
“Together we are sending a clear message that public involvement in the design and delivery of research is essential. Evidence shows that involving people with lived experience results in better, more impactful research, ultimately benefiting patients.”
Dr Jurgen Grotz at IVR said: “We believe that Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement is volunteer involvement. Signing this pledge reinforces our commitment to strengthening ethical, highquality volunteer involvement research and ensuring that the contribution of volunteers is recognised and supported.”
The Shared Commitment outlines a collective promise to:
- listen to and learn from the people and communities involved
- build and share evidence of effective involvement and its impact
- support improvements in equality, diversity and inclusion
- promote the UK Standards for Public Involvement
- embed public involvement into organisational decision-making
More than 30 organisations have signed the Shared Commitment so far, including NIHR, UK Research and Innovation, and Cancer Research UK. The full list of partners can be found on the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement webpage.
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