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The Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Training Programme – Autumn 2026 is a professional development workshop organized by The Institute of Mental Health (IMH), one of the UK's leading organizations dedicated to advancing mental health research, innovation, and education. Delivered online through Microsoft Teams, this CPD-accredited programme is designed to equip researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and public contributors with the knowledge and practical skills required to involve patients and the public meaningfully in health and care research. Patient and Public Involvement has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare research. Instead of conducting research solely from an academic perspective, PPI ensures that research priorities, methods, and outcomes reflect the real experiences and needs of patients, carers, families, and communities. This training programme provides participants with an opportunity to understand best practices while developing confidence in collaborative working. Running from 9 September to 7 October 2026, the programme consists of structured learning sessions led by experienced trainers and researchers. Participants will gain practical insights into planning, implementing, and evaluating public involvement activities while learning how collaborative partnerships can improve research quality and impact. Why This Workshop Matters Healthcare research is increasingly expected to involve patients and members of the public throughout the research process. Evidence consistently demonstrates that meaningful engagement improves research relevance, participant recruitment, communication, and implementation of findings. This workshop supports these objectives by providing practical training that helps participants understand: Principles of effective public involvement Ethical and inclusive engagement practices Building sustainable partnerships Designing research with community input Evaluating the impact of involvement The programme combines expert presentations, interactive discussions, collaborative exercises, and practical examples drawn from real mental health research projects. Learning Objectives Participants attending this workshop will develop practical knowledge in several important areas, including: Understanding Patient and Public Involvement principles Identifying appropriate involvement opportunities throughout research Designing inclusive engagement strategies Working effectively with lived experience contributors Building confidence in collaborative decision-making Evaluating PPI activities Meeting funding body expectations Improving research quality through public engagement Each session encourages active participation, allowing attendees to share experiences and learn from fellow researchers, healthcare professionals, and community representatives. Who Should Attend? This training programme is suitable for professionals at various stages of their careers, including: Mental health researchers Clinical researchers NHS healthcare professionals University academics Public involvement coordinators Research nurses Patient representatives Community engagement officers Health charity professionals Research managers PhD students Early career researchers Individuals who are new to Patient and Public Involvement will gain an excellent introduction, while experienced professionals can strengthen their existing knowledge through current best practices and shared learning. Programme Benefits Participants completing the programme can expect numerous professional benefits. CPD Accreditation The programme is CPD accredited, allowing attendees to record valuable continuing professional development hours. Expert Instruction Training is delivered by experienced professionals involved in leading mental health research initiatives across the UK. Interactive Learning Rather than relying solely on lectures, the workshop incorporates practical activities, case studies, and group discussions. Networking Opportunities Attendees will connect with researchers, clinicians, public contributors, and healthcare professionals from different organizations. Practical Resources Participants receive guidance and practical examples that can immediately be applied within future research projects. Importance of Public Involvement in Mental Health Research Mental health research presents unique challenges because experiences vary significantly between individuals and communities. By involving patients and carers from the earliest planning stages, researchers gain valuable perspectives that cannot be obtained through traditional academic approaches alone. Public involvement contributes to: Better research questions Improved participant recruitment More accessible study materials Greater trust between researchers and communities Improved dissemination of findings Enhanced real-world impact The Institute of Mental Health has consistently promoted collaborative research approaches that place lived experience at the centre of innovation and service improvement. Why Attend This Event? Attending this workshop offers practical value regardless of whether participants are new to research or experienced investigators. The programme provides current guidance aligned with modern healthcare research standards while encouraging collaborative thinking and practical implementation. Participants leave with greater confidence in developing inclusive research practices and stronger understanding of how meaningful public involvement improves research quality. For healthcare organizations, universities, charities, and NHS partners, these skills contribute directly to stronger funding applications, improved research delivery, and greater community engagement. About The Institute of Mental Health The Institute of Mental Health is based at the University of Nottingham's Innovation Park and works closely with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and numerous research partners. The Institute supports world-class research, education, public engagement, and innovation across multiple areas of mental health, including dementia, neurodevelopmental disorders, digital mental health, recovery, and public involvement. Its events programme includes conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, and professional development courses that promote collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and people with lived experience. Final Thoughts The Patient and Public Involvement Training Programme – Autumn 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for professionals interested in strengthening collaborative research practices within healthcare and mental health. Through expert-led instruction, interactive learning, and practical guidance, attendees will gain valuable knowledge that supports more inclusive, effective, and impactful research. Whether you work in academia, the NHS, healthcare research, or community engagement, this free CPD-accredited workshop offers practical skills that can immediately improve your approach to patient and public involvement while expanding your professional network across the UK's mental health research community.

The Women & Girls’ Online Safety Conference 2026, organised by The Open University’s Centre for Protecting Women Online, is an important academic and professional gathering focused on addressing the growing challenges of online safety. The conference provides a dedicated platform for researchers, educators, policymakers, technology professionals, and community leaders to exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions for creating safer digital environments. As digital platforms continue to influence communication, education, employment, and social interaction, online safety has become a critical global concern. Women and girls often experience unique challenges in digital spaces, including online harassment, privacy risks, cyber abuse, misinformation, and technology-enabled violence. This conference aims to encourage collaboration between different sectors to better understand these issues and develop effective responses. A Platform for Digital Safety Research The conference highlights the importance of research-driven approaches to online protection. Academic researchers and technology specialists will share findings that examine digital risks, user behaviour, online communities, and emerging cybersecurity challenges. Through presentations, discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants will explore how research can support stronger digital safety policies and improve the design of online platforms. The event encourages interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting experts from fields including cybersecurity, social sciences, education, law, technology, and public policy. Addressing Online Risks Facing Women and Girls One of the central themes of the conference is understanding the different forms of online harm experienced by women and girls. These challenges include cyberbullying, online harassment, image-based abuse, identity threats, and privacy violations. The conference provides opportunities to discuss prevention methods, support systems, and policy frameworks designed to reduce digital risks. Participants will examine how organisations can work together to create online spaces where individuals can participate safely and confidently. Exploring Cybersecurity and Responsible Technology Technology plays an essential role in improving online safety. The conference will explore how cybersecurity solutions, artificial intelligence, digital literacy programmes, and responsible technology development can contribute to safer online experiences. Experts will discuss the importance of building digital platforms that consider safety, privacy, and inclusivity from the beginning. Responsible innovation can help ensure that technology benefits users while reducing potential risks. Collaboration Between Academia, Industry and Policy Makers The event brings together professionals from different sectors to encourage meaningful collaboration. Universities contribute research and analysis, technology companies provide practical insights, and policymakers develop frameworks that support safer digital environments. By connecting these groups, the conference creates opportunities for sharing knowledge and developing strategies that can have real-world impact. Collaborative approaches are essential because online safety challenges are complex and require solutions from multiple perspectives. Networking Opportunities for Professionals The Women & Girls’ Online Safety Conference 2026 offers valuable networking opportunities for attendees. Participants can connect with researchers, cybersecurity experts, educators, government representatives, and organisations working in digital safety. Networking sessions allow attendees to exchange ideas, establish professional relationships, and explore potential collaborations. These connections can support future research projects, policy initiatives, and community programmes focused on improving online safety. Importance for Education and Digital Awareness Education plays a significant role in creating safer online communities. The conference explores how digital literacy and awareness programmes can help individuals recognise online risks and make informed decisions. Educational institutions have an important responsibility in preparing students to navigate digital environments safely. Discussions during the event will highlight approaches for integrating online safety education into learning environments. Supporting Future Digital Policies Effective online safety requires strong policies supported by evidence-based research. The conference provides a space for discussing current regulations, future policy directions, and strategies for protecting vulnerable online users. Policymakers and researchers can use insights from the event to develop stronger approaches that balance innovation, accessibility, privacy, and safety. Why Attend the Women & Girls’ Online Safety Conference 2026? Attending this conference provides professionals and researchers with an opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in online safety. Participants can gain insights from experts, discover new research, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of digital protection. The event is especially valuable for anyone involved in cybersecurity, education, technology development, social research, public policy, or community support. It offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities associated with creating safer online spaces. Final Thoughts The Women & Girls’ Online Safety Conference 2026 represents an important opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives on digital protection and cybersecurity. Hosted by The Open University, the conference demonstrates the importance of research, collaboration, and innovation in addressing online safety challenges. By encouraging dialogue between academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and advocates, the event aims to support practical solutions that improve digital experiences for women and girls. It provides a valuable environment for learning, networking, and developing strategies for a safer digital future.

The Future of Social Housing Forum addresses one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in the UK: the provision of safe, affordable, and high-quality homes. This Manchester-based forum gathers Housing Association CEOs, local council planners, and construction innovators to tackle the housing crisis head-on. With new safety regulations and decarbonization targets coming into force, the industry requires a unified approach to ensure that tenant welfare remains at the heart of development. The morning sessions will focus on "Safety and Standards," providing updates on the latest building safety legislation and the Decent Homes Standard. Experts will discuss the technical challenges of retrofitting older housing stock to meet energy efficiency requirements, sharing success stories of large-scale insulation and heat pump rollouts. This is a critical area for social landlords who must balance the cost of upgrades with the need to keep rents affordable for vulnerable populations. The afternoon transitions into "Community and Regeneration." This segment explores how social housing can be a catalyst for wider neighborhood improvement, integrating health services, green spaces, and digital connectivity into residential developments. A roundtable discussion will feature tenant advocates, ensuring that the voices of those living in social housing are central to the conversation about their future. By the end of the day, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the funding landscape and implement "Tenant-First" strategies in their organizations.