In 2024, we ran a recruitment campaign to increase the membership of our Patient and Public Partnership (PPP). As part of the campaign, we recognised that we needed to increase diversity among our members. We wanted to make sure more voices from different backgrounds are taking part in our work.
We set ourselves a target: to recruit 10 new members, including at least 3 from diverse backgrounds.
Why our partnership matters
Since 2019, our PPP ensures the patient voice is reflected in our screening services.
Our PPP members:
- join committees and project teams including on equity, research and quality assurance
- help us develop information materials, from reviewing drafts to full co-production
- bring their lived experience and perspectives that help improve our services.
Working together with our PPP helps us to enhance communications. It builds trust between patients and healthcare services to improve health outcomes.
Co-producing the campaign
The entire campaign was co-produced with our PPPs.
Our project team included:
- 2 PPP representatives
- communications and public health staff.
We developed clear and simple key messages. We wanted people to know that joining our PPP means:
- being part of an active community, sharing ideas and life experiences
- choosing to work with one or more of our 4 screening programmes
- taking part in training and learning opportunities
- playing a key role in developing information materials
- joining committees and project teams
- not needing specific experience or time commitment
- getting support to take part, including access support to attend meetings.
How we promoted the campaign
We used a wide mix of communication channels, including:
- emails designed using behavioural insights
- face-to-face presentations
- posters and stakeholder information packs
- blogs and website content
- social media – with PPP members sharing quotes and photographs
- media relations – including interviews and articles in press and radio.
Our results
The campaign was a success.
- Membership: We received 192 enquiries. We recruited 14 new PPP members including 6 from diverse backgrounds. We increased our membership to 39.
- Involvement: With new members, PPP participation grew to 67 projects and activities in 2024.
- Reach: Our campaign gained strong engagement online and through the media.
From success to next steps
We now have a proven and practical approach that we can use in future recruitment campaigns.
We’ve shared our learnings with other teams working with patients and the public. We are open to supporting others who want to strengthen their own partnerships. Email: ppplead@screeningservice.ie
- Linda Sice Brogan, PPP and Norma Deasy, Communications Manager with the National Screening Service, presented the results of this co-produced recruitment campaign at the 2025 HSE Patient and Public Partnership conference.