Frequently asked questions

Disagreements can arise within any team, especially when people bring different perspectives and experiences. What matters most is finding constructive and respectful ways to respond.

There are a few things to consider:

1) Have support in the room: If possible, have another person facilitate or co-facilitate meetings with you. This allows you to debrief afterwards, reflect on any tension, and share perspectives. A co-facilitator can also help manage situations as they arise; for example, by taking individuals to a breakout room if something needs to be discussed privately.

2) Know your support network: If you are facilitating alone, think about who you can turn to for advice or support afterwards. It’s not always easy to find the right way to respond to disagreement in the moment, and talking it through with a colleague or mentor can help.

3) Plan ahead: Be transparent with your public partners from the start about how disagreements will be handled. You might agree together on ground rules or create a “partnership agreement” outlining how meetings will run, how decisions are made, and how concerns can be raised. This can help everyone feel a shared sense of commitment and responsibility.

4) When disagreements happen: Even with preparation, disagreements can still arise. When they do, aim to talk openly with those involved, listen carefully, and seek solutions together. Openness, empathy, and a focus on shared goals can help turn disagreement into understanding.

For more information, read Creating meaningful group experiences.

Your budget will depend on the type of research you are doing and the resources available, but the key principle is that it should enable inclusive and meaningful participation.

A good involvement budget allows people to take part fully, recognising their time, covering practical needs, and reducing barriers to involvement. If funds are limited, focus on what can be made sustainable and accessible, so that relationships and partnerships can grow over time.

Be transparent about rates and arrangements for payments. It is important to bear in mind that not everyone will want or need reimbursement, but for some, it can be the difference between being included or excluded.

Please see details on what to consider when budgeting – Budgeting for involvement

Involvement works best when it starts early and grows with relationships, so that when people’s preferences and abilities change over time, for example communication and cognition, we understand what matters and can adapt involvement alongside.

As Dementia progresses, creative and flexible approaches like art, photography, storytelling, shared walks and sensory activities, can help people express ideas and priorities in ways that feel more natural and enjoyable.

However, for people with advanced dementia, traditional involvement is often not appropriate, and the focus may move from active partnership to connection and understanding: spending time together, noticing responses, engaging in ways that bring comfort or interest; and working with care partners or staff who know the person well.