A stand-out example of PPIE has been recognised as part of this year’s Making a Difference Awards. Winners in the Public Contribution category, the Community Liaison Group (CLG) has become a crucial component of the ClinPsyD Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course at the University of Manchester.  

The Community Liaison Group was formed over 10 years ago and is an integral part of the ClinPsyD course structure and delivery. It functions to ensure that those with lived experience of mental health services, and/or those that care for them, provide meaningful input into the training of clinical psychologists in a variety of different ways.   

CLG members are fully embedded with course committees, including the programme executive committee and the recently formed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee. CLG members have also co-chaired workstreams at the programme’s annual Y3 research conference, providing feedback and selecting winning presentations. CLG members are also involved in the selection process for new trainees, and during their assessment. 

There are many other ways CLG members can get involved with the course programme. Members of the CLG with an interest in trainee projects have had the opportunity to be allocated as additional research collaborators. Members were given a set number of hours costed to attend supervision meetings and provide further guidance to the trainee.  

The aim of the scheme was for CLG members to contribute as much or as little as they like – depending on this, they may meet criteria for authorship on any publications that result from the trainee’s project. The initiative has been well received, with positive feedback from trainees, supervisors, and CLG members.  

The group also plays a crucial role in the Power, Position, Privilege, and Intersectionality (PPPI) module, delivering dedicated teaching sessions and collaborating with lecturers to enhance specific teaching activities. 

The British Psychological Society’s re-accreditation visit in May 2023 recognised the CLG’s activities as a standout example of good practice. This accolade underscores the significant impact the group has on the ClinPsyD course, reinforcing their integral role in its success. 

The CLG’s powerful integration into the ClinPsyD program was further celebrated at the 2025 Making a Difference Awards, where they were honored with the ‘Outstanding Public Engagement Initiative: Public Contribution’ award. This recognition highlights the transformative power of their work and their commitment to enhancing clinical psychology training. 

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