Social responsibility

Social responsibility describes the way we make a difference to the wellbeing of communities through our research and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities.

Our strategy for PPIE, is integrated with that of the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research and is developed and delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Epidemiology and the musculoskeletal theme within the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

The strategy is implemented via a highly enthusiastic group of researchers, students and staff, whose remit is to:

• plan and organise PPIE activities
• seek funding for PPIE activities
• encourage participation in PPIE activities
• evaluate and improve PPIE activities.

Patient and public involvement

We have an active Research User Group who are our primary route for patient and public involvement, and their input into our research is highly valued. Across the CfMR as a whole, researcher interaction with the RUG has increased by 50% over the last 18 months.

We also have a close collaboration Your Rheum, a national group for 11-24 year olds, to advise and shape rheumatology research for young people.

Public engagement

We will continue to contribute to engagement activities such as community festivals, open days and schools initiatives within The University of Manchester, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Greater Manchester.