When recruiting public partners, consider |
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A diverse mix of perspectives from novice to experienced in the topic area |
Capacity building to include new voices, those who can think beyond their own immediate experience, and some who are experienced and can translate what researchers say |
Communicating that prior experience in methodology is not a pre-requisite, and that the fresh perspective is welcomed |
Explicitly acknowledging that the role of the public partner is to ask questions, challenge, see the big picture and bring pragmatic solutions |
Ways to support meaningful involvement might include: |
A comprehensive payment policy, including tasks individually timed and costed, and shared for feedback with public partners |
Holding pre-meetings before Steering Group meetings to allow for information sharing, learning and relationship-building |
Pairing a methodologist with a public partner to review data (and providing guidance around this) |
Peer support, to include a diverse mix of experience in public involvement |
Researchers should: |
Be open and willing to step outside their own comfort zones |
Plan early, ensure adequate time and resources, and be flexible |
Communicate with public partners clearly, honestly, and frequently |
Create space to allow for two-way exchange and ongoing dialogue |
Invest in relationship building |
Public partners should: |
Recognise that their novice status is a distinct benefit to the project |
Be prepared to ask clarifying questions and challenge researchers |
Seek accessibility in relation to language and communication |
Suggest pragmatic solutions to support inclusivity and forward action |
Recognise the importance of peer support for mutual learning within public partners |