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Reviewers of research applications based in settings outside NHS encouraged to review guidance through new survey
Those working in care settings outside of the NHS are being invited to take part in what is being called ‘an important project on research governance’ for improving levels of confidence, consistency, and speed when setting up and delivering research
In 2023, the R&D Forum Wider Care Settings Working Group created a sub-group to address the lack of common processes or standards for governance reviews of research not needing Health Research Authority (HRA) approval.
The group’s purpose is to examine common issues in research governance related to the design, set-up, and delivery of research studies. The intended outputs seek to find ways to simplify governance processes. They aim to be practical and can be used in various situations.
It has supported the development of Guidance for reviewers of research applications based in settings outside the NHS. In doing so, it has aimed to help ensure local authority representation and contribution in each of the workstreams.
It is also encouraging completion of a short feedback survey on the guidance by Friday 11 July.
Irina McLean, Health & Social Care Coordinator within NHS Research Scotland’s Central Management Team (NRS-CMT) helped to shape the survey and said: “The results of the survey will be used to produce the final version of the guidance for publication.
“The Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH) will also use the outcomes of the survey to help inform future research governance and ethics projects that will be undertaken alongside local authority colleagues.
“The goal is to make sure all health and care research in these areas is well designed and conducted safely, while looking to strengthen confidence in the research system.
“If the guidance applies to you then please do complete the five-minute survey.”
Publication date: 16th June 2025
