Health and Care Research
What is health and care research and why is it important?
We are committed to our population living happier and healthier lives. Research is one way that we can make this happen by providing the evidence to improve treatments and care. This could be by testing new medicines or vaccines or by completing questionnaires to help us understand how people feel about the care they receive.
Benefits to taking part in research can include learning more about your health or receiving closer monitoring. Taking part in a project may not always help you directly, but you will be helping to improve services and treatments now and in the future.
Health and care research adds to our knowledge and understanding about diagnoses, treatments and care, and people’s lived experiences. This knowledge helps us to deliver better services and contributes to the best health and wellbeing for people. Publishing the learning from research widely can positively impact health and care locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
There is a specific need to increase the diversity of people who get involved in research, both as research recruits, and in study design. We know there is a prevalence of white, older people who get involved in research. Without diverse participants in research, there is a risk that research outcomes will not be as effective across diverse population groups and that research trials will not be designed to meet the needs of a diverse population.
Get Involved - Be part of Research
Be Part of Research is a UK-wide service that helps people understand what research is and what it might mean to take part. It also shows what research is currently happening across the UK.
You can create a free account or search for trials and studies into health conditions you’re interested in, at locations near you. See video below for more details. The link to sign up is: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/.
Research Engagement Network
The Research Engagement Network supports and champions the involvement of patients and the public in research, working with volunteers and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises (VCFSEs) across all stages of the research process, and providing advice and guidance to researchers on good practice.
The team also work to raise the profile of research to encourage participation in and engagement with research studies by working with local communities. In collaboration with our system partners we are delivering an NHS England funded initiative called Research Engagement Networks (REN).
Our local Research Engagement Network is coordinated by the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) and in collaboration with Thinklusive.
This initiative creates a platform for researchers to exchange experiences, foster learning and support under-represented groups to participate in research.
The Network:
- Builds a local research environment that is supportive and inclusive for our diverse communities.
- Builds trusting, mutually beneficial relationships with the community and VCFSE sector.
- Listens to, and understands, local communities better.
- Collaborates with community members and organisations to make research more inclusive and representative.
- Highlights the need for making reasonable adjustments within research happening locally.
- Provides a check and challenge to local research teams to create more accessible research.
- Offers input, ideas, and recommendations to teams at all stages of the research process.
The Research Engagement Network for Norfolk and Suffolk comprise two key elements: the virtual network and community research hubs. These are funded jointly by NHS England and the Regional Research Delivery Network.
Virtual Network
What is it?
This is a virtual network for VCFSE groups to interact with researchers and research delivery teams to hear how they can become involved in various research studies and access training.
What does it do?
The purpose of the network is to highlight research projects to VCFSE groups that are interested in research and to hear from researchers who want to engage with VCFSE groups to enhance their studies.
Max Clark (Thinklusive) chairs a meeting every two months (1 hour, online) to hear presentations from researchers and research delivery teams to highlight relevant research projects to VCFSE groups. Max also regularly shares research projects via email so that VCFSE groups can take part in research if it is relevant to them.
Who can attend and take part?
This network is open to anyone interested in research across Norfolk and Suffolk, working in a VCFSE organisation. You do not have to have any previous experience of research. We know research can be intimidating, and there is usually lots of conversation between colleagues. These meetings are informal, and it is ok to just listen to the conversation.
What do I need to do to join the network?
Please complete the survey below to register to receive emails and the dates of upcoming meetings.
Community Research Hubs
What are they?
The community research hubs are designed to set up a process in eight local areas across Norfolk and Suffolk to support VCFSE groups to recruit members of their communities into research studies. This is important as it makes research more representative of the population and gives access to new treatment approaches that wouldn’t have been available previously.
What do they do?
Each of the hubs is a collection of around three VCFSE groups that have come together to form a core group. Currently, hubs are up and running in Great Yarmouth, Thetford, Waveney, King’s Lynn and Norwich. The VCFSE groups work together with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Regional Research Delivery Network, Community Action Norfolk and other partners to find ways in which they can recruit members of their communities into research studies or they can support research nurses to run clinics in their community spaces.
To support the hubs, the ICB brings together all partners with the VCFSE groups that are leading each hub once a month to share learning and find out what support is needed.
Who can take part?
Once hubs are established, VCFSE groups in those areas are advised to contact their local hub in the first instance to see how they can get involved. Information on the local hubs can be obtained by contacting nwicb.researchinnovation@nhs.net. We are in the process of establishing three new hubs across Suffolk and the process for this is being led through the virtual network.
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Developing a formal public contributor agreement for public involvement at the Health Research Authority
The Health Research Authority (HRA) is looking for members of the public to get involved in 2 online workshops to help us develop a formal public contributor agreement.
Why are we doing this work?
We had previously developed the HRA Ways of working with the HRA Community Committee to support our duty to ensure people are treated with dignity and respect, but we now want to be clear how we will take action if expectations are not met.
What is the activity?
We would like your involvement in developing a formal public contributor agreement that will be made between the HRA and public contributors at the start of their involvement with us.
We would also like your input into what actions may be taken by the HRA if expectations are not met, ensuring that everyone is treated consistently and fairly.
What is involved?
We have developed a draft agreement that we would like you to review and then share your thoughts on in two workshops that we will hold on Thursday 26 February 2026 and Thursday 19 March 2026.
Both workshops will be held from 10am to 12pm virtually on Zoom and we will include a 15-minute break.
The public contributor draft agreement will be sent to you one week in advance for you to review.
We will hold 2 workshops with 8 members of the public and 8 members of HRA staff where everyone can let us know if the draft agreement meets the purpose for which it is being developed.
What difference will I make?
Your input will help us make sure that going forward, we can have better relationships with our public contributors because everyone is clear on expectations from the outset, and what to do if this is not the case, so that everyone is treated consistently and fairly.
You will also help make sure that the agreement is developed using wording that is inclusive and easy to understand.
We will listen to feedback from you and HRA staff taking part in both workshops and let you know what changes we have made as a result of the workshops. Where we cannot action your suggestions, we will explain why.
What support will I receive?
Our HRA Community Ways of Working sets out what you can expect when working with us, and our expectations for working together respectfully, inclusively and impactfully.
We have a small team at the HRA who will support your involvement with this piece of work.
If you are invited to take part in this activity, we will ask you to share your access and support needs and any requests for reasonable adjustments.
What skills or experience do I need to take part?
You should have experience completing preparatory reading or materials ahead of group sessions and be able to bring insights or reflections from this pre‑reading into the workshop discussions.
You should be comfortable contributing to group conversations, sharing perspectives, and actively participating in all aspects of the workshop including in breakout rooms.
You should have the ability to listen to and respect different opinions, recognising that others may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
To apply, please provide your answers to the questions in our accessible online form
If you experience any problem using the accessible form, please email the public involvement team for support using ‘agreement’ in the email subject line or call us on 020 7104 8161.
The deadline to apply is by midday on Monday 2 February 2026.
How will you decide who will be involved?
We will remove your name from your application and two members of HRA staff will consider your responses. We will shortlist people who have met the criteria to join the group. If we receive many applications that meets the criteria, we will select at random.
We will let you know whether you have been successful by Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Will I receive payment?
In line with our payments policy, we can offer:
- £25 to prepare for being involved in this work by reading the documents that we send you and attending a short briefing meeting if required
- £50 for taking part in an informal workshop
- £25 for attending a meeting to exchange feedback on your involvement, to include preparation and reviewing notes
Will my expenses be covered?
Yes. It is our policy to cover reasonable expenses, if agreed in advance. For example, travel, additional childcare, or for a carer or personal assistant. We offer a £5 contribution towards any incidental expenses incurred by attending online meetings.
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Storytelling for public contributors
Storytelling for public contributors
Sharing details of an upcoming webinar from NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health on storytelling for public contributors.
This opportunity is for people who...
• Are public contributors or interested in getting involved in research
• Want to develop skills in storytelling and communicating their connection with research
Who are NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health?
The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Specialist Centre for Public Health provides expert guidance and support for researchers working in public health. They also offer training and development opportunities for public contributors involved in research.
About the webinar
This free, online webinar, Storytelling for Public Contributors, focuses on helping public contributors build confidence in speaking about their involvement in research. Led by Duncan Yellowlees, the session will explore techniques for:
• Telling the story behind your connection to research
• Making your contributions engaging and relatable
• Ensuring audiences understand the projects you are part of
The session includes guidance on connecting with audiences, structuring your thoughts, and presenting your lived experience clearly.
When and where
11 February, 10.00-11.15, online. Book your place here: https://tinyurl.com/35h7u37m
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Involving Children and Young People - Learning from Co-produced evaluations
Webinar: Evaluating Public Involvement with children and young people 🌟
Come and hear from the University of Hertfordshire young people's advisory group and researchers working with them at Webinar #4 of the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) ARC National Importance of Public Involvement in Research Webinar Series: Involving Children and Young People: Learning from co-produced evaluations
Online, 17 February 2026, 12.00-13.30.
Presenters: , Helen Abnett, Lauren Denyer and members of the CRIPACC young people's advisory group (Herts YPAG).
Chaired by Stan Papoulias and facilitated by Elspeth Mathie.
More information and booking: https://lnkd.in/e4kFdWh4
Information on the wider series and recordings of previous webinars: https://lnkd.in/eYEiR7qD
Webinar organised by NIHR ARC East of England PenARC (NIHR ARC South West Peninsula) NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London -
Experiences of Diagnosis (PREM Study)
Have you received a mental health diagnosis?
Sharing research from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT):
"We are looking for people who have received a mental health diagnosis from a healthcare professional/provider when they were 18 years old or above. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you!"
"NSFT Researchers, along with partners at the University of Ottawa, are developing a questionnaire to measure how people experience the mental health diagnosis process. We are recruiting people to help us develop this questionnaire. This would involve completing a series of online questions, which should take 20-30 minutes."
"You will receive a £5 Amazon voucher in return for your participation."
"Participants can be staff members who have received a diagnosis, loved ones or your service users."
If you’re interested to find out more, and take the survey, please click here Research Study: Development of Mental Health Diagnosis Patient Reported Experience Measure
"Alternatively, send an email at researchinfo@nsft.nhs.uk quoting ‘Diagnosis Measure’ and the team will be in touch with more information.
The PREM Study is sponsored by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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CD3: Cancer Data-Driven Detection programme
CD3 Patient and Public Partnership is looking for members of the public and professionals from across the UK to join our CD3 Patient and Public Partnership.
This partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring that CD3 research reflects the lived experiences of people affected by cancer and has the greatest possible impact in the communities where it matters most.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacob Matthews and the PPIE team at Cambridge University at PPIE@psychol.cam.ac.uk
If you are interested in joining, please complete our expression of interest form by following the link below.
https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eu1WBrCegPIW486
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Impact of electronic patient records (EPRs) on hospitals within the NHS
Impact of electronic patient records (EPRs) on hospitals within the NHS
The Health Foundation is conducting a project to understand the impact of electronic patient records (EPRs) on hospitals within the NHS.
“We would like to invite you to a one-hour phone call to discuss your views and experiences with EPRs.
In particular, we are interested in:
- How EPRs affect the accuracy and completeness of information in your medical record
- Whether EPRs influence how quickly you are seen or receive treatment
We are hoping to speak to people who have had a hospital appointment within the last 3 months in a hospital that uses electronic patient records.
We would like to speak to individuals in January 2026.
If you would like to participate or learn more, please email Sarah Opie-Martin: sarah.opie-martin@health.org.uk
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Is a career in research for me? - social care/work
Date & Time: Feb 26, 2026 10:30 AM
DescriptionThis 90-minute webinar is for anyone interested in exploring research as part of their career in social care and/or social work.The NIHR funds world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing, while also promoting economic growth. We also support research careers, offering opportunities to develop new skills, access training and funding, and join a supportive network, while contributing to research that has real-world impact.The webinar will cover:- insights into life as a research professional, shared by researchers at different career stages
- an overview of research career pathways and what research work looks like in practice - key opportunities and challenges within research careers
Attend to discover:- first-hand perspectives on what it’s really like to work in research
- the range of research roles and entry points available to those new to the field
- our role in supporting individuals to develop research skills and career development
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters at the end. The webinar will be chaired by Catherine Robinson, Professor of Social Care Research at the University of Manchester.Register here: https://bit.ly/49Cwg5f
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Learnings from DARE UK’s pilot public dialogue on AI
Collaboration Cafe: Learnings from DARE UK’s pilot public dialogue on AI
January 29 from 13:00pm-14:30, online │£30 honoraria
Discuss early findings from DARE UK’s pilot public dialogue on AI and how these insights will inform a wider national dialogue
About the event
This session will look at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being introduced and used in Trusted Research Environments (TREs), share the initial findings from DARE UK’s Pilot Public Dialogue on AI and develop the focus of their wider Public Dialogue on AI, which will take place UK-wide over the course of 2026.
Participation at this event by public contributors attracts an honoraria of a £30 voucher per session, following HDR UK rates, with only UK participants able to claim this payment. Participants will receive an email from DARE UK following the event to process the payment.
Event objectives
- Share the findings of DARE UK’s Pilot Public Dialogue on AI;
- Develop questions to inform the wider UK-wide Public Dialogue on AI.
Who should attend
- TREvolution technical team members;
- Public Advisory Group members;
- Members of the public.
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Developing an inclusive health and care research system with Black African Diaspora communities
People from Black African Diaspora communities are currently not well represented in health and social care research. Find out about a project led by Warwick Medical School to better understand the needs of these communities and to make health and social care research more inclusive.
Find out more about this work: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/research/hscience/apc/qualityandsafety/acheritageresearch/
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TRExt
Public Involvement Opportunity - TRExtThis opportunity is for people who are...
- Aged 18 years or over;
- Interested in public involvement and engagement specifically with lived experience in the uses of information gathered from personal records.
- Living in the UK.
TRExt is a system to help computers understand messy text (like doctor’s notes) safely, so researchers can learn from it without risking privacy.
In this study (a collaboration between University of Nottingham, Swansea University, Kings College London and Hyper Unison), we aim to collect the views and experiences of members of the public on the software and AI we are using in the TRExt project, so we can address any concerns and improve the automatic processing of sensitive information.
This study is a collaboration between University of Nottingham, Swansea University, Kings College London and Hyper Unison.
What is the opportunity?
We’re putting people at the heart of the TRExt project. Our goal is to work with the public, researchers, clinicians, and technical experts to create tools that are useful, safe, and trustworthy. By joining our PIE workshop, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the project—helping guide decisions, identify potential risks, and ensure the benefits are clear and meaningful. Your input will influence how we accelerate research while protecting privacy and using AI responsibly. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of health data research and ensure it reflects the needs and values of the people it serves.
When and where
You will be expected to attend up to three online meetings before the end of April, where you’ll discuss, comment, and give feedback on the project presented by the TRExt research team. Meetings will take place once a month between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, including a comfort break.
The first meeting is scheduled for 30th January, with further dates in February and March arranged based on the group’s joint availability.
All workshops will be conducted in English; it is essential you are able to understand and give feedback verbally or written in English.
Renumeration
£25 per hour for your time and contribution for each meeting attended.
How to apply
Please follow the link button below to complete and submit your application form by midday on Friday 16th January 2026:
If you have any queries, please contact claire.newman@swansea.ac.uk
Who's Listening
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Email m.twigg1@nhs.net -
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REN Network Chair & Thinklusive
