Working with people and communities (WWP&C) innovator support

Join us for an engaging and interactive training session designed for innovators and companies who want to strengthen their approach to Working with People and Communities (WWP&C).

This session will introduce the principles and purpose of WWP &C, demonstrate its value in driving impactful innovation, and provide practical tools to embed meaningful involvement into your work.

We recognise that innovators often face real challenges in this space — from limited resources and time, to difficulties in recruiting diverse participants, and the risk of tokenistic engagement that doesn’t lead to meaningful change. Many also struggle with evaluating the impact of user involvement, which can limit the effectiveness and adoption of innovation.

This session will openly explore these barriers and provide case study examples of where meaningful WWP&C has been done well. Participants will gain insight into:

· What WWP&C is, and why it matters

· The common pitfalls and challenges innovators face

· How to avoid tokenism and engage people meaningfully

· Practical ways to work with underrepresented communities

· How to resource and plan for effective co-design and co-production

· Support and tools available to help you take your next steps

Expect a collaborative and participatory environment where you can share experiences, learn from others, and leave with actionable strategies to improve your practice.

About us?

The Working with People and Communities team champion the active involvement of public, patients, carers and staff in shaping research and innovation.

As a dedicated team of involvement specialists, we bring expertise in embedding community insights and lived experience at every stage of the research and innovation journey. Our knowledge of the statutory duties in Working with People and Communities enables partners to fulfil their legal, social and moral obligations for genuine community involvement.

Through strong partnerships across Kent, Surrey and Sussex we support our partners to co-produce inclusive, meaningful and community-led research and innovation that benefits all.

Isabel Clark, Health Innovation KSS, Strategic Community Partnerships and Insight Lead

Isabel is a subject matter expert in working with people and communities, and has extensive experience in bringing this expertise to support the design of NHS and social care services in Kent, Medway, Sussex and Surrey. Isabel works with and supports the involvement of people from marginalised communities and with differentiated needs, ensuring lived experience drives improvement.

As a specialist in working with communities experiencing health inequalities, Isabel has designed and embedded public involvement programmes that have received national recognition. Isabel is driven by a desire to ensure equitable service design across the NHS, with extensive experience in involving communities in digital, data and Artificial Intelligence transformation. Isabel is passionate about building trust to bring people together, and breaking down barriers to inclusion.

Since joining Health Innovation Network Kent, Surrey, Sussex in November 2024, Isabel has led on the strategic and operational involvement and communications with patients, carers and the public. In her role, Isabel leads on strategic public involvement partnerships with NHS England, Department for Health and Social Care, NHS Sussex, NHS Kent and Medway, NHS Surrey Heartlands, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations, Life Sciences, Research and Innovators.

Isabel has a first-class undergraduate degree in History, and a Masters in Modern History.