The Faculty’s Social Responsibility (SR) and Civic Engagement (CE) plan outlines our commitment to driving positive environmental and social change for our local and global communities through our world-leading teaching, learning and research. To support this, the patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) forum, Co-Chaired by Professor Stephanie Snow, Academic Lead for Community Engagement and Involvement and Kay Gallacher, public contributor (PC), brings together PCs, University staff and students and external stakeholders to discuss and shape the Faculty’s SR and CE priorities.

The first forum meeting of the 2023-24 academic year was held online in October, covering highlights from the 2022-23 academic year, a review of this year’s PPIE action plan and updates on the Faculty’s SR priorities.

Members began by highlighting some of the successes from the previous academic year, including the forum’s contributions to the University’s institutional awards (e.g. NCCPE watermark, knowledge exchange framework and teaching excellence framework) and revision of the Faculty’s PPIE standards.

Many congratulations were offered to forum staff members, Joanne Pennock and jointly, Hawys Williams, Samantha Franklin and Kay Gallacher for obtaining open research fellowships for their respective projects, enhancing lay summaries for health research grants and theses and the creation of a PPIE Chartermark, co-produced by the forum.

Members gave updates on recent Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) related activities, including establishing networks with underrepresented ethnic minority groups and the Faculty’s first International Men’s Day event, a session with former rugby league international, Dan Sarginson about his personal battle with mental health.

Next on the agenda, members shared their opinions on recruitment and renewal of lay and staff forum membership, reflecting on groups missing from the forum. This was followed by a review of the forum’s action plan for the academic year.  Members agreed that the action plan, which outlines the Faculty’s key PPIE objectives and progress towards meeting the University’s 5-year SR plan, should be used as a live document, whereby it is updated throughout the year.

Finally, members were notified that nominations for the University’s Making a Difference Awards are now open. The annual award ceremony recognises and celebrates the positive social and environmental impact of our University members and external partners.

For information on previous Forums visit: February 2023, November 2022, March 22, and January 2022. To find out more about PPIE: watch our short film, sign up to the monthly Public Engagement Digest, visit the PPIE blog, or contact srbmh@manchester.ac.uk.

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