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Users
Project teams and research users collaborate at least two levels. Most directly, interested practitioners are involved in key processes of regular research activity. This normally includes discussion at the project design stage, and continues during data collection and analysis in the specific settings in which practitioners work. This engagement enhances the relevance and groundedness of the research. Additionally, there is liaison with national user organisations. Such bodies frequently bring wide-ranging experience of the issues being investigated and developed dissemination infrastructures. They often provide both expertise and strategic advice during a project, and may offer high-leverage impact resources when projects move towards their conclusion. Of course, valuable forms of user engagement may be developed at many other levels and in many other ways. Potentially, all users are extremely effective 'champions' for the outputs of research activity. Through such partnerships, the relevance, worthwhileness and impact of each project's research can be maximised.
