Public Partnership and Co-production in Research at the Evidence Centre

A key part of the Evidence Centre’s strategic aim is to place the public at the core of our work. We involve the public in all activities, including prioritising and refining the research questions (which are added to the Centre’s rolling work programme), interpreting findings and writing lay summaries. This approach ensures that our work with public members has a real-world impact.

To achieve this strategic aim, we, the Evidence Centre, have embedded a role into our core team which  sees a member of the public working alongside research staff as part of producing the Centre evidence reviews, putting co-production at the forefront of the Evidence Centre’s practices. 

The Centre welcomed Libby Humphris to the role of Public Co-lead for Public Involvement and Engagement in the Spring of 2023. Libby works alongside the Academic Co-lead for Public Involvement and Engagement, Dr Denitza Williams. 

Together, they co-lead the Evidence Centre Public Partnership Group (PPG) (comprised of 10 members, plus co-leads); informing the public involvement strategy and guidance documents and leading the development of a unique public involvement impact log. This co-productive partnership has many benefits: sharing ideas, collaborating on strategy, and sharing the workload and accountability. Libby and Deni’s relationship is an equal partnership to promote inclusivity and empowerment, which aligns with the UK standards for public involvement. 

Libby and Deni’s joint co-lead roles represent a unique approach to public involvement and engagement, breaking down barriers faced by public contributors by giving them an equitable seat at the table.

During the first year of the Evidence Centre the Public Partnership Group have been involved in: 

• 24 Evidence Reviews 
• 4 Primary Research Projects
• Written 11 Lay Summaries 
• Worked on 20 Final Reports 
• 2 Question Prioritisation Rounds 

It has been a pleasure to work alongside Libby to co-lead public involvement in the Evidence Centre. Libby is a core member of the team at the Centre involved in all levels of governance. As someone with lived experience of a number of chronic health conditions, Libby has been able to provide valuable insights to lead the public involvement within the Centre and help shape research. Her contribution to patient and public involvement has been exemplary.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Deni Williams       

So, without further a-do, here's Libby Blog about how it all works!       

                   We’re not Ben and Jerry’s; we’re Libby and Deni!