News

How my interest in research led me to public involvement: From Psychology to data access 

Karen Williams

29th Jan 2026

Karen, a member of our Data Access Public Review Panel shares her long-term interest in research and how it led her to become involved with UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC). 

Hello and welcome  

I am Karen Williams a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.  

The focus of my career has been a national footprint predominantly working across England focussed on addressing substance misuse and youth violence by engaging with commissioners, front line services and communities to develop appropriate approaches and services at a local level to support behaviour change of adults and young people.  

I have always been interested in research; indeed, my MSc is in Methods of Research and Evaluation. This has always helped me develop evidence-based ways of working which is essential in influencing how services are commissioned and delivered.  

---

Nothing about us without us

More laterally, this lifelong interest brought me to the opportunity of becoming a public member of UK LLC. In examining what the role entailed it was very appealing to me in that it spoke of meaningful involvement in ensuring public involvement was core, essential and embedded throughout research practice. Indeed, the NIHR INVOLVE guidance defines the process as: “… research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them” (INVOLVE Guidance 2025). 

With this firm approach to public involvement by UK LLC I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to engage and fully contribute to the many and very varied research applications.

---

Shifting the dial on public good research, together 

There are many layers of why this work is hugely interesting and rewarding not least of which the clarity of what, collectively, we are all trying to achieve, what the intended outcomes may be and how in so many settings the research can benefit the public good in a safe and considered manner.  

I particularly like and value the opportunity we are always given to meet with the researchers and hear about their research – why they are focussed on a particular area, how they are taking this approach this and really hear how much they care about their subject area.  

---

If you would like to learn more about the UK LLC Public Involvement Programme, please contact comms@ukllc.ac.uk