How to set up a simple Participatory Action Research Project for collective policy writing

Developed collaboratively by RadHR, People Support Co-op, and three workers' co-operatives, this guide introduces Participatory Action Research (PAR) as a framework for collective policy writing. It walks groups through three stages: setting up the project (choosing a policy focus, deciding who's involved, and clarifying the PAR group's decision-making role); agreeing shared ways of working before the process begins; and running iterative PAR cycles of reflection, action, and evaluation. The guide is oriented towards shifting power and broadening participation, making it particularly relevant for co-operatives and other democratic or flat-structure organisations. It is intentionally concise and practical rather than academically rigorous.