Partnering with HRCI -

Partnering with HRCI

Most of our best achievements happen through partnerships. If you have found your way to this page you might be considering reaching out to us for a partnership, or we might have asked you to have a read of it – either way, we thank you for engaging with us.

Core to how we operate is bringing people together and we have numerous partnerships, collaborations and associations with other charities, state agencies, researchers, industry, policy makers etc. We believe ourselves to be considerate and respectful partners and we are as careful with the reputations of others as we are with our own.

What we offer partners

Deep knowledge of health research charities
Expertise in PPI and engaged research.
Extensive knowledge of the health & social care research landscape
Strong knowledge of the political and policy landscape and capability in advocating for change
Expertise in achieving impact from research
A long track-record in event management
Skills in communicating to a variety of audiences and established channels to those audiences.

With an ever-increasing focus on PPI and public engagement in health research, and with an increased desire for research to underpin societal change, we get many requests to partner. Due to our very limited resources, we can only say yes to approximately one third of these requests.

What makes it more likely that we will say yes to a partnership

If it involves activities that are relevant to health research charities and relate specifically to research in health, medical or social care.
If the activities directly align with our purpose and will help us to meet our strategic goals.
If consideration is given to funding for our time and expertise (this is not always relevant or possible but resourcing is an ever-present concern for us).
If we are provided with sufficient information to fully understand the role that we and all other partners will play and if there is an opportunity to shape the plans from the outset.
If we are given enough time to consider our role and what the commitments will mean for our small team.
If there is the existence of, or an opportunity to build, a long-term relationship.

We understand that partnerships are complex and that everyone has limitations and restrictions, and so often a conversation is helpful. Depending on its scale and nature, if we agree to a partnership, we often suggest developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) early in the discussions. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings or issues as we work together. Please kindly note that we have a policy of not writing letters of support for grant applications that we are not directly involved in.

Very importantly, for more information on how to think about a partnership with HRCI or any other charity please see the documents below on partnerships and on fair market value for charities. There is also a link below to our policy for engaging with industry.

Thanks for reading and please get/stay in touch, if you would like to discuss a partnership with us. You can email HRCI CEO, Dr Avril Kennan (avril@hrci.ie)

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Charities and Researchers partnering for societal benefit

Guidance for charities, other civil society organisations, researchers, research institutions and funders, to achieve successful research partnerships. This guide is the result of a collaborative effort between Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI) and the PPI Ignite Network. It delves into the immense value that arises when charities and researchers partner to achieve societal benefit from research. The amalgamation of their distinct expertise and wisdom holds the potential to improve lives. However, despite the promise, there remains a lack of comprehensive guidance on how to navigate these partnerships effectively and address all relevant considerations.

Fair Market Value for Charities in Partnership Work

Charities face increasing demands from all sectors to support patient and public involvement (PPI) and to work in partnerships. Partnership work uses funds and resources. Charities must manage these costs to ensure financial sustainability. This guidance, created by a coalition of health charities, including Health Research Charities Ireland and UK-based organisations Cancer 52, the Patient Information Forum (PIF), the Charities Research Involvement Group, and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, is designed to help charities and partners calculate Fair Market Value (FMV) when charities decide to work in partnership and to charge for these activities.