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Fourth anniversary underlines Scotland’s pledge to ‘not just add, but embed public involvement in research’

Fourth anniversary underlines Scotland’s pledge to ‘not just add, but embed public involvement in research’

NHS Research Scotland (NRS) is celebrating the fourth anniversary of the launch of the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement in health and social care research this week.

The Shared Commitment was signed on 11 March 2022, recognising that excellent public involvement is an essential part of inclusive health and social care research which has been shown to improve its quality and impact.

By signing, NRS jointly pledged to improve the extent and quality of public involvement across the sector, ensuring consistent excellence and that people’s lived experiences continue to be a key driver for health and social care research.

Launched initially with 13 signatories – including NRS, The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), The Health Research Authority (HRA), Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and others – it stated that “public involvement is important, expected and possible in all types of health and social care research”.

In Scotland, the Shared Commitment has helped to drive up standards in health and social care research with significant work undertaken to reinforce the importance of public involvement so that more people are both able and confident to choose to take part in research.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is now a requirement in funding schemes and awards, PPI groups have expanded across specialty areas, while guidance, training and support is better enabling researchers to involve patients, the public and communities in their work.

Last Tuesday, a successful Patient and Public Involvement Event took place at Stirling Court Hotel – part of the University of Stirling Campus – attracting 170 attendees for a third landmark showcase in as many years.

Dr Julie Simpson, Research Manager — Information and Capacity, at CSO, said: “The joint pledge made four years ago is more relevant than ever, ensuring that health and social care research is shaped by patients and the public, and that it is both inclusive and meaningful.

“It is vital thar a wider spectrum of voices is heard and that people are put first. We saw that enthusiasm in abundance at last week’s event which amply demonstrated the country’s commitment to not just add, but equitably embed, public involvement in research.

“I am certain that Scotland’s diversity of PPI activity will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Publication date: 9th March 2026

Author: NHS Research Scotland

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