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Involving People

WERC sees service users, community groups, voluntary and equality workers, and service providers not as 'subjects' to be studied, but as vital sources of knowledge and experience, capable of making significant contributions to the quality and outcomes of research projects.
Our innovative on-line registration forms, located in Get Involved/Participate in Research and Make Connections/Register your specialism, enable us to put the public in contact with researchers, and researchers in contact with the public and with each other, making working together a reality.

What are the benefits to researchers and research?

Involving people is the cornerstone of designing and delivering culturally competent research, and empowering people to be equal partners in issues that directly affect them.
Involving people is about creating - and sharing - a vision of where we should be heading; and why and how we're going to get there. It is an approach that has an amazing knock-on effect, by breaking down traditional 'them' and 'us' barriers, and developing confidence in people previously suspicious of researchers' motives.

Once you get involved in involving people, you'll find the grapevine grows considerably; generating interest from those others we would most like to consult (often those who have been marginalised), ensuring that the results are more effectively disseminated, and that changes are implemented from 'the bottom up'. Increasingly a policy requirement, 'walking the talk' for equality and diversity by involving people in research and development not only provides a strong evidence base by confirming or modifying your beliefs, it helps to make sure that money and resources are put to best use.

What are the benefits to minoritised groups and the public?

People get involved in research for all sorts of reasons. For many it is an ideal opportunity to play an influential role in changing things for the better; improving the way services are delivered or deepening understanding about the needs and concerns of minoritised people. For others it is a way of making a positive contribution to society, of 'giving something back' to the local community. Interest in research can even stem from simply wanting to exercise our right and responsibility to take part in events that affect us.
Whatever the motives, the experience of getting involved in research or setting up your own project can be very rewarding, both personally and professionally. Apart from the enjoyment of working as a team, the satisfaction of a job well done is a real confidence booster. Many people have also reported that it has helped to develop all types of skills and competencies that are useful in other areas of their lives and work; most especially for improving their job prospects.

What will be expected of me?

There are no particular requirements, apart from a willingness to take part. Everyone is welcome and will be of great value. However, if you are proficient in a second language, you could offer your services as a translator or interpreter by registering as a WERCfacilitator. Go to Get Involved/Facilitate to find out more.

What sort of thing will I be doing?

Research projects are generally divided into 6 stages and you can be involved in one, some, or all, depending on your interests.
Stage 1. Identifying and prioritising topics - the preparatory stage where the group decides the issues to be explored, and in what order of importance
Stage 2. Designing - choosing the most appropriate methodology - how you will get hold of the information you need to prove or disprove a belief, e.g., drafting and testing a questionnaire
Stage 3. Undertaking - carrying out the activities: e.g., being interviewed, or interviewing other people
Stage 4. Analysis and interpretation - gathering together the information and figures from the study, working out what they mean and drawing conclusions
Stage 5. Disseminating - finding the most efficient way to pass on the results and information to other people and organisations: e.g., talking to people, writing a leaflet or giving a presentation.
Stage 6. Evaluating - working out the strengths and weakness of the entire process to see what could be done better next time.

How much time is needed?

You can give as much or as little time as you wish. Project size varies enormously and you will be given further details at a later stage. Researchers try to be flexible, but we do ask you to indicate which of the following three levels of involvement you are most interested in:
1. Consultation - usually a one-off activity under the guidance of the researcher
2. Collaboration - regular meetings/activity under the guidance of the researcher
3. User-control - substantial involvement (with you making a lot of the decisions)
What about confidentiality and feeling safe?
Our aim is to provide opportunities for you to take part in research, with a focus on your interests. Your name and contact details will not be given out. Rather you will be sent information on opportunities to take part in research as they come up. We will also work to provide further information and training opportunities, to enable you to feel safe and confident in playing a role in any or all stages of the research process.

How can I involve people in my research?

Go to Research Support/Involve people and complete the on-line registration form.

How can I get involved in research?

Contact us