Policy and guidance
Supporting information for undertaking research
The public has a right to expect the highest scientific, ethical and financial standards, transparent decision-making processes, clear allocation of responsibilities and robust monitoring arrangements. The Health Research Authority (HRA) UK policy framework for health and social care research sets out principles of good practice in the management and conduct of research, and the responsibilities for satisfying them.
Governance arrangements for research ethics committees (RECs)
The governance arrangements for research ethics committees sets out principles, requirements and standards for RECs that review research proposals relating to responsibilities of the devolved administrations and the HRA. This includes research involving users of services for which the UK Health Departments are responsible. It also applies where the law requires review by a REC and the devolved administrations and the HRA provide for that review.
The research sponsor has overall responsibility for ensuring that the research has REC approval, if needed, before the research begins.
For a definitive decision about whether a project is research (research is defined in section 3 of the UK policy framework for health and social care research) and whether it needs REC review, see the online decision tools on the HRA website.
NHS R&D finance policy template
The Welsh Government set a national objective to ensure the effective provision of a NHS research infrastructure to develop research capacity through the appropriate use of research delivery funding, as well as investment of other R&D income that the NHS organisation generates. The key indicator set to achieve this national objective is for NHS organisations to have a current ‘in use’ finance policy.
Health and Care Research Wales has produced a NHS R&D finance policy template which covers the details and mechanisms necessary for the management, accountability and distribution of NHS research funding and income:
Normalising research - Promoting research for all doctors
The GMC statement on the benefits to patients/service users, patient care, healthcare teams, care organisations, practices and doctors themselves, when doctors and healthcare professionals engage with research opportunities.