Can you briefly introduce yourselves?
Leonie: I am co-leading a project for working group 3, which aims to increase diversity in research with PPI members. I have a health background in massage therapy and sport science. I recently left working in local government supporting political members and those in my local community.
Collette: I’m co-leading a project in Working Group 2, focused on increasing diversity in research participants for faculty research projects. This work is meaningful to me because it aims to amplify underrepresented voices in the research process, helping ensure that academic projects reflect the true diversity of society.
I have a degree in Sociology and extensive experience in housing procurement, data migration, and client support. I’m now transitioning into the tech industry, learning coding to broaden my skills and find new, innovative ways to tackle challenges. My aim is to use technology to drive meaningful social change.
This project gives me the chance to bring a strategic and data-driven approach to a crucial issue, building frameworks that promote inclusivity and equity.
What is your previous experience of research?
Leonie: I was a PPI member for City University back in 2016 for child and maternal health practices, then again in 2021 preventing childhood obesity to provide advice on policy for four London boroughs that have the high rates of childhood obesity. In 2023 I did my first PPI with King's College London which was for psychosensory interventions for HCP’s. I’m lucky that in the same year I have been able to see through and co-lead on another new one at King’s!
Collette: I have been a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) member at King's College London since 2022, which I joined through word of mouth. My participation in PPI projects has primarily focused on palliative care, especially examining how ethnicity and diversity influence health equality. In these projects, I engaged in discussions and shared insights alongside other participants, which was pivotal in highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in research. My involvement has not only deepened my understanding but also fueled my passion for advocating for inclusivity and practical solutions to enhance diversity in research.
What is the Inclusive Research and Education Practices Project?
Leonie: The Inclusive Research and Education Practices Project is a three-year project that started in 2023 to increase the diversity of researchers in the Faculty, but also the diversity of research participants involved in research projects, and of the PPI members engaged.
Collette: The project will identify the barriers preventing certain groups from taking part in research and embed change in Faculty processes and structures. By doing so, the quality and relevance of our Faculty’s research will be strengthened. The project will also ensure that the research coming out of the Faculty will more accurately reflect London and UK populations.
How did you become involved in this project?
Leonie: One of the leads for the previous King’s project that I participated in sent some information my way as I had mentioned to them previously about diversity and a lack thereof in research. I made some enquiries, and here we are a few months later, this EDI pathway.
Collette: I became involved through an advert on a PPI forum. The role immediately resonated with me, because it aligned seamlessly with my commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity in research. It presented an exciting opportunity to use my background and experiences to contribute to this important project. This role seemed tailor-made for my skills and passions, offering a platform to drive meaningful changes and foster inclusivity in academic research.
What are your aims for this project?
Leonie: I grew up with my immediate sibling being autistic and facing many biases in health and education experiences. This has had a long-term impact on his choices even as an adult now. This was simply from a lack of understanding on a systemic level. If I can help this even as an experienced bystander, that would be life changing for generations.
I am also passionate in my aims of supporting young mothers, those who have limited immigration status, bilingual persons, SENCO and racial equity. I aim to spread insight of changes in mainstream education and research that can positively impact their experiences or a route they can represent themselves in a powerful way.
I want to help at the same time as learning more about differences that we all have somewhat faced in society so that I can become a better advocate.
Collette: The aims for this project include:
1. Enhancing the Framework: Improve the diversity of research participants within faculty projects to ensure broader representation and inclusivity.
2. Establishing a Centralised System: Develop a system equipped with essential tools to support research staff to effectively engage participants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable involvement.
3. Monitoring Research Projects: Ensure that research projects are monitored to verify that participants from diverse backgrounds are appropriately included, where applicable.
4. Implementing Pilot Initiatives: Execute pilot initiatives to evaluate the project’s effectiveness, identify areas needing improvement, and adjust strategies accordingly.
What is your role within this project as public member co-leads?
Leonie: My role is to help with recruitment of PPI members, looking over materials, being the co-chair within monthly meetings which consist of PPI members and different experts from internal faculties. I also interview potential new members and seek out opportunities to expand my understanding with events within King’s.
Collette: As a co-lead in this project, my role centers on ensuring that public insights are pivotal in diversifying research participants. I actively engage in monthly meetings, co-lead discussions with faculty from King’s, and network with staff to drive meaningful change. My responsibilities also include preparing for each meeting, attending relevant training, and recruiting and interviewing new PPI members to join the project. By leveraging my lived experiences, I help bridge the gap between academic research and community needs, ensuring that the project's outcomes are both impactful and accessible.
Why is it important to have public members involved in a project like this?
Leonie: To prevent any biases that may be a subconscious influence from having only internal members. Having lived experience from public members that have been involved in an array of research projects or are yet to be gives a wider and more bespoke perspective than standalone academia would potentially be able to provide.
Collette: Public involvement is essential in this project as it ensures the research reflects diverse viewpoints, enriching the findings and enhancing their applicability. Including public members helps mitigate biases that might arise from a solely internal perspective. The inclusion of PPI members not only bolsters the project's credibility but also fosters community trust, ensuring the outcomes are relevant and valuable to a broader audience.