Involving the public
The Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI) is a sector-wide partnership that brings together organisations and professionals working with data and statistics to promote good practice in public involvement and engagement. DARE UK is a founding partner of PEDRI.
Mission
PEDRI partners are committed to exemplifying good public involvement and engagement practices in data-driven research and statistics. As organisations privileged to contribute to decisions on how public data is managed, we have a duty to listen to and understand what matters most to the public and act on their needs, interests, and concerns by involving them in our decision-making process.
Ongoing efforts
PEDRI partners across the UK have come together to demonstrate a strong commitment to bringing about real change in public involvement and engagement. To unlock the full potential of access to and use of data for research and statistics, the public needs to be actively and consistently heard, engaged, and involved in decisions regarding how their data is used.
PEDRI partners recognise this need and have worked collaboratively to develop the Good Practice Standards for public involvement and engagement in data research. The seven standards address key barriers to effective public engagement. Published in January 2025, they are built on two years of collaboration with the public and professionals.
The Good Practice Standards are:
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI): People with different backgrounds, experiences, and identities should be included in research projects or initiatives involving data about people and communities.
- Data literacy and training: Data research and statistics can often be complex and challenging to navigate. Public members should be given the time and resources needed to fully understand the projects they’re contributing to.
- Two-way communication: Data research and statistics often includes complex terms and abstract information. It is essential to promote an active exchange of information between parties, allowing both to share and receive insights.
- Transparency: Information about data research projects and initiatives should be made freely available and easily accessible while fostering a safe space for open and honest conversations with the public.
- Mutual benefit: It is important to adopt an ongoing, dialogue-based approach that encourages benefits for all parties involved, including public members, professionals, and the wider population.
- Effective involvement and engagement: Public involvement and engagement practices should be led by clear objectives, purpose, outcomes, and a strategy for integrating public input into the project.
- Creating a culture of involvement and engagement: Public involvement and engagement should be embedded at every level of a project or initiative, ensuring adequate resources and ongoing support while also encouraging an environment where public members’ contributions are valued and integrated.
You can find out more about each of the standards on the PEDRI website.
Other areas of focus
PEDRI partners are also working to:
- Address learning and development gaps for researchers and public involvement and engagement practitioners to support proactive public involvement and engagement in data research and statistics.
- Proactively engage the public so that we can listen to, understand and act on their concerns and build public confidence through local and national public campaigns.
Learn more on the PEDRI website or sign up for the PEDRI Bulletin.
For enquiries about PEDRI and how to get involved, please email contact@pedri.org.uk.