Partnering with our consumers in research

At Canberra Health Services (CHS), we believe the best health research happens when researchers, consumers, carers, and community members work together. This collaboration makes our research meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with community needs.

Partnering in research means working with our consumers, carers, and the community to shape, conduct, and translate research. It is not simply doing research on or for them. It ensures research is informed by both lived experiences and clinical expertise.

This approach values dignity, respect, open communication, and genuine collaboration, recognising that the best outcomes arise from diverse perspectives and the collective knowledge of our community.

Why partner with us in research?

For our consumers, carers and community

Influence research that matters to you and our community.
Drive improvements in health care evidence and processes.
Gain skills, recognition, and satisfaction as valued research partners.

For our researchers

Improve the relevance, inclusivity, and impact of your research.
Build trust with the community and enhance data quality.
Strengthen funding applications through demonstrated community partnerships.

What does partnering in research involve?

At CHS, we support five levels of consumer, carer, and community involvement in our research activities:

Inform: We provide updates about our research.
Consult: We seek feedback to shape research decisions.
Collaborate: We work together at various stages of the research project cycle.
Co-Design: We share equal responsibility across the entire research project cycle.
Empower: We support consumers, carers, and community to lead the research project.

Likewise, we invite our consumers, carers, community to partner with us across the entire research cycle:

Discovery: We partner to shape our research priorities.
Design: We partner to design our research.
Conduct: We partner during the data collection and analysis phases of our research.
Dissemination: We partner to share the results of our research.
Translation: We partner to translate research into every day practice.

Toolkits to support your journey in research

To help support and grow consumer and carer partnerships in research, CHS has developed the following resources:

CHS Researcher Toolkit - download below

This practical guide helps researchers partner respectfully and effectively with consumers, carers, and the community. It includes:

Step-by-step guidance across the research cycle
Examples of how consumers and carers can be involved as research partners.
Tips for inclusive engagement, communication, and remuneration/reimbursement

CHS Consumer and Carer Toolkit - download below

We have developed a companion toolkit to support consumers and carers who are new to research. It will include:

Easy-to-understand information about being a consumer and carer research partner
Guidance on your role, rights, and what to expect
Real-life examples and helpful tips

These resources aim to make research partnering clear, accessible, and rewarding for everyone involved.

Support from the CHS Office of Research and Education (ORE)

The CHS ORE is here to support our researchers, consumers, carers, and community at every step:

Training and Resources: Access tailored tools and guidance to foster collaboration.
Connections: Links between researchers, consumer advocacy groups, and individuals with relevant lived experience.
Planning Assistance: Define roles, goals, and resources, including remuneration advice.
Ongoing Collaboration Support: Ensure clear communication, inclusive meetings, and conflict resolution.

Ready to get started?

Contact

CHS ORE Director of Consumer, Carer, and Community Partnerships in Research

chs.research@act.gov.au