Public Partnership Training Programme
Programme overview
The Public Partnership Training Programme was launched in 2025 following a successful pilot developed by Newcastle Health Research Partnership (NHRP) in collaboration with Creating Connections.
The programme was created in response to a recognised gap in access to high-quality Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) training across the North East and North Cumbria.
This comprehensive programme supports both researchers and public contributors by building knowledge and confidence in working in partnership throughout the entire research cycle. It covers all key stages of research – from developing ideas and funding applications through to delivery, dissemination, and impact – alongside dedicated sessions on inclusive research practices.
- All training is offered free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring that anyone with an interest can take part.
- There is no requirement for prior experience in PPIE, making it suitable for those completely new to involvement and engagement, as well as those looking to strengthen existing skills.
- Participants gain practical insight into how to carry out meaningful, effective PPIE and participation activities that genuinely influence research.
- The provides a structured, end-to-end training pathway that is not currently available elsewhere in the UK.
- By bringing together researchers, public contributors, and community organisations, the programme helps to strengthen partnerships and supports more inclusive, relevant, and impactful health and care research.
Register for a session
Registration for the Public Partnership Training Programme 2026/27 will open in three phases.
Full details of each session will be available via the session Eventbrite page.
| Research Cycle Stage | Session | Audience | Date & Time | Link to Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Inclusion | What is the VCSE? | All | 09/09/2026 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 0 | Confidence to do PPIE | Research Staff | 22/09/2026 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 0 | Introduction to PPIE in Research for Public Contributors | Patient & Public Contributors | 24/09/2026 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 0 | Introduction to Public Involvement & Community Engagement in Research | All | 06/10/2026 13:30 – 15:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Vision Impairment Awareness | All | 07/10/2026 09:30 – 12:30 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Inadvertent Exclusion: Rethinking Research Design for Neurodivergent Inclusion | Research Staff & PPIE | 21/10/2026 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Understanding Islam and Muslims | All | 04/11/2026 09:30 – 12:30 | Register here |
| Stage 0 | Introduction to PPIE in Research for Research staff | Research Staff | 25/11/2026 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Research Cycle Stage | Session | Audience | Date & Time | Link to Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Inclusion | An introduction to Dementia and Research, with Alzheimer’s Research UK | All | 12/01/2027 13:00 – 15:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Jewish Cultural Awareness | All | 14/01/2027 09:30 – 12:30 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Health on the Move – Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Awareness | All | 18/01/2027 13:00 – 16:00 | Register here |
| Stage 1 | Introduction to Setting up a Public Advisory Group (PAG) | All | 20/01/2027 13:00 – 15:00 | Register here |
| Stage 3 | Building Research Inclusion/EDI into Research Funding Applications | Research Staff & PPIE | 25/01/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 2 | Improving Inclusion of Underserved Groups in Clinical Research | All | 27/01/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 3 | Planning a Route to Impact | All | 02/02/2027 13:00 – 15:00 | Register here |
| Stage 5 | Making Sense of Qualitative Data Together | All | 03/02/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 1 | Facilitating PPI Sessions & Supporting Participants | All | 08/02/2027 14:00 – 15:30 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | How to Write Accessible English for a Global Audience | All | 10/02/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Disability Awareness and Participatory Research | All | 23/02/2027 13:00 – 16:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Engaging Rural Communities in Research | All | 25/02/2027 10:00 – 11:30 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Unlocking Young Voices: Engaging the next Generation in Research | All | 04/03/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Stage 6 | Behind the Mic: Co-Producing a Public Partner–Led Podcast | All | 10/03/2027 09:30 – 11:30 | Register here |
| Stage 3 | Beyond Ticking the Box: Public Involvement in Research Funding Applications | All | 23/03/2027 10:00 – 12:00 | Register here |
| Research Inclusion | Engaging Women from Marginalised Communities | All | 25/03/2027 12:00 – 14:00 | Register here |
This programme will be released on 17 February 2027.
Who is the programme for?
- Research staff
- Public contributors
- PPIE professionals
- Healthcare professionals
- VCSE sector staff
- Local Authority staff
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC)
- NIHR Innovation Observatory (IO)
- NIHR Research Support Service (RSS)
- NIHR Policy Research Unit (PRU)
- NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN)
- NIHR HRC in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation (HRC)
The Research Cycle
The Public Partnership Training Programme is structured around the eight stages of the research cycle, ensuring that public involvement is embedded throughout the research process. In addition to this, the programme includes dedicated sessions on Research Inclusion and Cultural Awareness.
These sessions are designed to equip researchers and public contributors with the skills and confidence to engage meaningfully with diverse communities. By focusing on inclusive practices and cultural awareness, the training supports more equitable and effective public involvement in research.
Stage 0 – Foundations in PPIE
Stage 1 – Prioritising and shaping research questions
Stage 2 – Research design
Stage 3 – Grant development and funding application
Stage 4 – Delivery, recruitment and data collection
Stage 5 – Analysing and interpreting research data
Stage 6 – Dissemination and engagement
Stage 7 – Implementing research findings
Stage 8 – Evaluating impact
FAQs
No, training sessions are not recorded. We encourage participants to attend live so they can take part in discussions and ask questions throughout the session.
If you can no longer attend, please log in to your Eventbrite account and cancel your registration through the Eventbrite booking page. This will free up your place for another participant.
No. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the sessions that are most relevant to your role, interests, or learning needs. You can register for individual sessions rather than attending the entire programme.
When you register through Eventbrite, you’ll also have the option to add the event to your calendar. Eventbrite will then send two reminder emails before the session – one 2 hours before the event and another 10 minutes before it starts. These emails will include the information and instructions you need to join the session.
When completing the Eventbrite registration form, you’ll be asked whether you have any accessibility requirements. Please provide details in this section so that the trainer can make any necessary arrangements to support your participation.
No, all sessions within this training programme are free to attend.
If a session is fully booked, you can join the waiting list through Eventbrite. If a place becomes available, Eventbrite will contact you with further instructions.
Where appropriate, trainers may share slides or additional resources after the session. Details will be provided by the trainer.
Yes, all participants who attend a session will receive a certificate of attendance.
If you have any questions about the training programme or a specific session, please contact NHRP@NEWCASTLE.AC.UK.
