We're bringing together around 90 people from across the research system to directly engage, inform, and influence the work of the HRA. This is part of our commitment to be informed by appropriately diverse perspectives, so that we can work as effectively as possible to make it easier to do research that people can trust.
What's the activity?
We're looking for 12 members of the public to take part in workshops focused on emerging areas of the HRA's work.
Date: Tuesday 17 November
Time: 10:30 to 3pm
Location: Prince Philip House, Westminster, London
The day will begin with a panel discussion, followed in the afternoon by 3 workshops running in parallel:
- plan and manage health and care research: an interactive user research session for people who use our current services to explore and inform the development of our new digital service
- AI in health and care research: a session exploring when the development, testing or evaluation of AI in health and care may be considered research, and how the HRA can better support researchers working with AI. The workshop will use practical examples to help inform improvements to the HRA’s existing guidance and decision-support tools, building on the findings of the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare
- earning trust in research: a session supporting our work to develop new resources that help people understand how they should expect to be treated when taking part in research, and the safeguards that exist to protect them
What’s involved?
- taking part in a Zoom pre-meeting on 10 November 2026 to meet other public contributors and check you have the information you need to take part in the event
- attending the in-person event and being an active participant (sharing thoughts, feedback, answering questions) in a group workshop setting alongside researchers, representatives from research funders, pharmaceutical organisations, medical research charities, and people involved in setting up research, members of the HRA Board, HRA staff, and our volunteers
- joining an online update and feedback meeting on 10 December 2026 to hear how work will be taken forward and to exchange feedback on our experiences of working together
What difference will it make and how will I know?
The comments and feedback you share in the workshop will be considered alongside feedback from other attendees.
Following the event, workshop leads will share a summary of what was heard in the session, and how and where this will be taken forward.
What support will I receive?
Your point of contact will be Will Griffiths-Stent, Senior Engagement Manager.
As set out in our ways of working, we’ll do our best to give you the information you need to take part. If you have any questions about the activity, please feel free to contact Will - we’re here to help.
We’ll ask about any access needs or support requirements, including requests for reasonable adjustments. If there are adjustments we can’t make, we will explain why and work with you to identify alternative support where possible.
While we’ll do our best to facilitate your involvement, our staff aren’t in a position to provide personal support or advice that is not related to the role or opportunity.
If your circumstances change, please get in touch with Will. We are here to help where we can and will work with you to find the best way forward, whether that is taking a break, stepping back from activities or exploring alternative involvement with us.
What skills or experience do I need?
- experience of health and social care research and awareness of what helps, and what makes it harder for people to take part in, research. For example, you may have taken part in research; shaped research to make it more inclusive and trustworthy; or supported people from underserved groups to find out about research as a research champion or community connector
- knowledge, experience and interest in at least one of the workshop topic areas
- willingness and confidence to bring a public perspective to lively group discussions alongside senior leaders and experts who may have different points of view. Groups will vary from small (5-10 people) to large (20-30 people)
How do I express interest?
If you are interested in being considered for a place at this event, please email the engagement team by 27 September with the subject line 'public perspectives on developing work', confirming your availability, and telling us about the points below in a total of no more than 300 words. You do not need to share detailed personal information.
- your experience and awareness of health and social care research
- which workshop you are interested in joining, and why
- the perspective you would bring to the workshop and confirmation that you’d be happy to do this in an open discussion alongside others with different views
- where you heard about this activity
How will you decide who will be selected?
We will shortlist people who have met the criteria and select people to bring together a wide range of experience. We will arrange a short, individual online meeting on 6, 7 or 8 October to discuss the activity with you and check it’s the right fit.
Will I receive payment?
Yes, as set out in our policy, we can offer a £247.50 honorarium for this activity, to include:
- £55 for attending the pre-meet and related preparation (for example, reading a briefing document)
- £165 for attending the event in London, including travel time
- £27.50 for reading the summary notes from the workshop you attended and taking part in the update and feedback meeting
We will send you a payment form when the activity is complete.
Payments are offered in recognition of your contribution to shaping HRA’s work. This does not create an employment contract. We cannot pay for time already funded by another organisation (e.g., NHS or university). Participation and acceptance of payment are entirely your choice.
Will my expenses be covered?
Yes. It is our policy to cover reasonable expenses, if agreed in advance. For example travel, subsistence, additional childcare, or for a carer or personal assistant.
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided at the event.
Where possible and appropriate, our policy is to directly pay for travel (from your home to the venue) in advance. We select options that are accessible and offer the best value for money.
We offer a £5 contribution towards any incidental expenses incurred by attending online meetings.