Table 4.

Sheffield approach to patient and public engagement with underserved groups in service improvement programmes—Key principles.

Key principle
Take advice	Take advice from communities and their leaders about how, where and when to run engagement exercises. Use the advice to be as wide‐ranging and inclusive as possible in choosing groups with which to engage.
Respectful and aware	Respecting and having an awareness of communities' values and concerns; selection of team members to attend meetings.
Flexible	Adapt arrangements: requirements may differ between communities. Be opportunistic and contribute to existing community events.
Venue	Choose a venue based on advice and community preferences. Institutional venues (NHS, university, civic) may be intimidating.
Language	Consider the use of interpreters and translation of written materials where language support is needed.
Literacy	Literacy levels may vary alongside or independent of language barriers. Adjust material accordingly.
Feedback	Provide regular feedback to communities about the outcomes and actions resulting from consulting with them.
Evolve	Adapt approaches based on experience and feedback from previous engagement.
Build lasting relationships	Each of the principles above contributes to building a continuing relationship with underserved groups.