Reflecting on the Involvement of Peer Researchers in Service Evaluations

The involvement of people with lived experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of services has grown significantly in recent years. In parallel, the evidence base for best practice in peer research, as this approach is described, is also expanding. Sharing two practice examples, the authors reflect on key learning emerging from their work with peer researchers. They describe the importance of developing an approach that is well planned, adequately resourced, and flexible, and identify other supports required to ensure peer researchers have a positive experience and can make a meaningful contribution. This article will be of interest to readers wishing to include the authentic voice of service users in research and will be particularly relevant to those involved in commissioning or delivering health and social care research and evaluations focused on services for children and young people.