Controversies in qualitative research: Amy Wells on challenging tokenistic involvement

The involvement of service users in research holds transformative potential, but what happens when it becomes mere tokenism? When is it better to step away? With insights from the Amy Wells from the National Survivor User Network, we discuss the critical line between genuine engagement and superficial involvement, seeking ways to ensure research remains grounded, relevant, and truly collaborative. 

Amy Wells works for the National Survivor User Network, a lived experience-led charity and membership organisation for grassroots, user-led mental health groups and individuals with lived experience of mental ill-health, distress, or trauma. As NSUN’s Senior Communications and Membership Manager, she leads on the development and delivery of NSUN’s communications strategy and works on NSUN’s membership offer, projects, and processes. Amy is also a trustee of the charity Self-injury Support.  

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or listen below.