Involving patients and the public enhances your professional development by improving communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. It demonstrates commitment to patient-centered care, which supports your CPD portfolio and revalidation.

Working in partnership with patients and the public ensures services are designed around real needs, improving safety, quality, and trust. It aligns with the Trust priorities for transparency and co-production.

Time commitment varies by project. It can range from attending short meetings to leading improvement initiatives. Many activities can be integrated into your existing role without significant extra workload.

Yes. The Academy of Research and Improvement offers training on patient involvement and co-production. We can also provide bespoke support throughout your co-production and patient involvement journey.

There is no personal cost to attend our online workshops and training programme For HIOWH NHS Foundation Trust colleagues, your main investment is time and willingness to engage.

It means involving people in decisions about their care and service design. This can include feedback sessions, co-design workshops, or patient representation on committees.

Start small: invite feedback during ward rounds, use patient experience surveys, or join existing participation groups. Side-by-Side members and the Academy’s People Participation team can guide you.

• Focus groups or listening events

• Patient stories and experience surveys

• Co-production workshops

• Digital engagement (e.g., online forums)

Common barriers include time constraints, fear of criticism, and lack of confidence. Overcome these by working with us, planning ahead, using structured agendas, and accessing training and mentorship.

Follow Trust policies on equality and diversity, provide accessible formats, and actively seek input from underrepresented groups. Always feedback to participants on how their views influenced decisions.