Participatory Research Training

The NPS National Service User Involvement Plan (January 2021) indicates how important it is to create a system which fully integrates service user perspectives. This includes to develop and reach joint solutions with the people the NPS supports and works with. Involving people who use NPS services in how they design and deliver them, is key to the aim of working together to protect the public and help people lead law abiding and positive lives. It is important to build a culture of including and listening to diverse sources of input and insight, to understand 'what works', and apply learning across the Service, enabling people to be their best and creating an open learning culture, listening to the voices, stories and lived experiences of service users. Working with people on probation in relation to what works in probation practice involves engaging in co-produced, participatory research that produces insightful findings that have a practical application.

The Strategy and Improvement team within the Probation Workforce Programme is establishing a Research Network, comprised equally of HMPPS staff members and service users or individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system (CJS). Following selection of research network members - who will be selected by

the Authority, learning opportunities initially in the form of training will be required to establish all participants at a level of skills and understanding sufficient to undertake small scale, robust, participatory, co-produced research projects. Initial, bespoke, online training (with supplementary learning materials) is thus required in relation to individuals engaging fully in participatory, co-produced research design and delivery.

The Provider will deliver training to provide an awareness level appreciated of participatory, co-produced research methods that will be utilised within a probation service context. The key outcomes to be achieved shall include, but not be limited to the following:

By the end of the learning event(s) participants will have sufficient foundational knowledge to undertake primary research activities relating to participatory, co-produced research methods.

By the end of the learning event(s) participants will have sufficient foundational skills awareness to undertake primary research activities relating to participatory, co-produced research methods.

• (a)the ability to understand and integrate resources gleaned through various means - online, at the library,

in archives, via interviews etc.

• (b)the ability to collect and organise important historical data
• (c)the ability to acknowledge research sources properly
• (d)the ability to formulate, document, analyse, and report on research
• (e)the ability to manage a research project