Skip to main content

Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP) and Inclusion

Supporting inclusive commercial clinical research

PPIEP and inclusion help ensure research is relevant, accessible and representative.

The CRDC UK Network supports proportionate approaches that align with study requirements and delivery timelines. The Network also supports collaboration with and between CRDCs; working to embed PPIEP, inclusive and accessible practice.

Supporting this commitment, the CRDC UK Network National Research Inclusion Strategy has now been finalised and is available to read, setting out the Network's approach to embedding inclusive and accessible research practice across the UK. Read the CRDC UK Network National Research Inclusion Strategy.

What PPIEP means within the Network

Involvement

Input to inform study design, CRDC delivery methods and materials

Engagement

Supporting understanding of commercial research and its purpose

Participation

Enabling more people from diverse communities across the UK to take part in studies

Inclusion

Ensuring equitable access, meaningful participation and outcomes that reflect the needs of all communities and populations

Why PPIEP and inclusion matters

Both PPIEP and inclusion approaches can:

  • Optimise study design and enhance participant materials
  • Advance recruitment strategies and enable participant retention
  • Minimise barriers and widen participation for underserved communities
  • Expand opportunities for people to take part in commercial studies
  • Ensures outcomes meet the needs of diverse communities
Young boy and nurse with their palms together in a high five

Network approach

The Network supports:

  • Sharing of good practice across Centres
  • Consistent and proportionate approaches
  • Early discussion with sponsors

Working with sponsors

We work with sponsors to ensure PPIEP and inclusion:

  • Are aligned with study needs
  • Support delivery and recruitment goals
  • Add value without unnecessary complexity

Discuss your study with the CRDC UK Network

If you are planning a commercial clinical study in the UK, the CRDC UK Network can support you.

Contact us

CRDC UK Network news

02 October 2026

CRDC: Cheshire and Merseyside pioneers innovative IMP transfer model to bring research closer to patients

The NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre in Primary Care (CRDC-PC):  Cheshire and Merseyside has successfully developed an innovative approach to Investigational...

07 July 2026

CRDC UK Network supports Kailera Therapeutics to bring its first studies to the UK

21 research centres across the UK will support three flagship obesity studies for Kailera Therapeutics supported by the CRDC UK Network. The participating centres are pre...

18 June 2026

CRDC UK Network Director awarded Damehood in King’s Birthday Honours List

World leading type 2 diabetes and obesity expert, Professor Melanie Davies CBEhas become a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to global ...