As well as supporting users and carers , staff have been supported to involve users and carers in their work . This included
guides for staff and a novel public involvement
animation shared on social media to help staff to see the importance of using patients to shape their research aims and study designs .
Through the University ' s Public Engagement in Research ( PER ) initiative , the Faculty has two PER Champions . They promote public involvement and engagement across the Faculty , share good practice and support staff in their own engagement activities . During the pandemic the PER champions have shared resources and guidance to staff on ways to continue engaging with the public remotely , how to support public contributors and facilitating collaboration through the FCULG . Going forward , the PER Champions will support the planning and delivery of the
University ' s Stoking Curiosity festival .
The Faculty holds public involvement online advice clinics , run by the Research Design Service , for staff to discuss and get advice on their public involvement plans for new research funding applications . The clinics were supported by the Research Design Service ’ s public involvement lead , a public involvement coordinator and a public member , experienced in public involvement in research .
One other way that Schools in the Faculty are supporting staff with public involvement is through their User and Carer Groups and Communities of Practice . For example , the Community of Practice for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in the School of Medicine was created to :
• work in partnership with patients and the public , to ensure engagement , involvement and participation in the School ’ s education , research and innovation activities .
• raise awareness of best practices and take action to promote a shared understanding of equity and race equality
• value our partners ’ lived experiences of health and care , and expertise gathered from life roles and vocations , to help problem-solve
• enhance the sustainability of the School ’ s core activities by linking communities , securing resources , acknowledging contributions and sharing success .
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