Researchers toolkit including training

We’ve developed a Clinical and Health Research Competency Training Framework which outlines the knowledge and required training that is needed for each competency level. The below diagram offers a high level summary:

This summary roadmap shows the 5 competency levels and outlines the required level of knowledge and training needed for each level. The competencies are based not only on knowledge and experience but also the amount of time you are able to commit to research.

Competency levels and themes:        

There are 5 different competency levels starting from core up to expert. To move onto the next competency level all areas of the previous competency need to be completed. Below gives a summary of the learning outcomes and capabilities for each competency level:

1. Core

• Has an awareness of the specified skill details and knows where to go to find out more
• Is aware there is a research department and we are a research active NHS Trust
• Takes no active role in research
• Core Level Research Competeny Training Framework

2. Beginner

• Increased knowledge of the 4 research themes
• Will actively verbally promote research opportunities
• Beginner Level Research Competency-based training framework for clinical & health research

3. Intermediate

• Actively identifies patients for specific research study sign up
• Understands all aspects of the 4 research themes
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training required
• Intermediate Level Research Competency-based training framework for clinical & health research.docx[docx] 36KB

4. Advanced

• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Leads and conducts a research study at their site
• Has excellent working knowledge of all aspects of the research process
• PI training required
• Advanced Level Research Competency-based training framework for clinical & health research

5. Expert

• Chief Investigator (CI)
• The overall lead researcher for a research project
• Has expert level knowledge of the whole research process
• Needs knowledge to complete application for funding for own research study 
• Receives approval for ethical and legal compliance
• Expert Level Competency-based training framework for clinical & health research

These flow charts break down each competency into their themes and skills and at a glance show what you need to know for each competency level.

Framework summary

Take a look here at the full Training Framework for Clincal and Health Care Research and see how you can get started on your research journey and don’t forget to visit the Research pages on the intranet.

Training:

2024 Research & Development Conference, 14-18.10.24

We had a fantastic week hosting our 4th annual Research and Development conference which was facilitated by Sam Topping (Operational Lead for Research and Development, here at HWHCT).

As in previous years the aim of this conference was to showcase some of the fantastic work that's happening in the research world (Monday 14 — Wednesday 16 October) as well as giving staff and local partners from Herefordshire and Worcestershire a platform to showcase their work (Thursday 17 October), and the Launch of the Memorandum of Understanding between our Trust and University of Worcester (Friday 18 October).

HUGE thanks to our brilliant speakers who gave their time to join and inspire us. We couldn't have done it without you. Over 440 free virtual tickets were requested across the week so thank you to those who joined us. Recordings of the event will be uploaded in November so if you couldn't make it please take a listen. 

Sam Topping (Operational Lead for Research and Development)

 

Recordings of each session are now available to view along with presentation slides (where possible). Please visit our conference intranet pages.

 

Research Collaborator

We launched the Research Collaborator role (similar to a 'champion' like role) in November 2022 whose aim was to enable ANYONE who works at HWHCT to get involved in research. 30 staff stepped up and have supported the delivery of research across the Trust. HUGE thanks for your work to date.

If you want to help us promote research within your teams as well as to patients, maybe learn something new, meet a group of like-minded people, and can give 1 hour a month (max), then we’d love to hear from you. We welcome new people at any time! Email:  alice.madden1@nhs.net  for further information.

 

‘PI (Principal Investigator) Essentials’ virtual in-house training – Feb/March 2025 dates released 

If you are you a new PI or someone who's interested in finding out more about this as well as the research process then this is for you. Please get in touch for further info or book onto the course here. Training lasts 2 hours and is run virtually via Teams:

26.2.25: 9.30am – 11.30am

27.2.25: 9.30am – 11.30am

4.3.25: 9.30am – 11.30am

 

Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator toolkit

This gives a great overview including further information about the research process: Chief Investigator Principle Investigator (CIPI) Tool (cipitool.co.uk) (excuse the mis-spelling of ‘Principal’ in the link…

 

Research training and development webinars – for undergraduate students of healthcare, social care and public health professions in the West Midlands

• The 3^rd in a serious of FREE webinars is running on 12.12.24, 12-1pm: Quality Improvement to researcher – to gain an understanding of the potential of improvement methods for enhancing care and to understand the relationship between audit, evaluation, improvement and research.
• For further info and to book your space visit: INSIGHT West Midlands - Keele University

 

The Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre (MHMTC) invites you to join the Midlands Mental Health Principal Investigator (PI) Development Network (funded by the NIHR)

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) training for researchers: July — December 2024 dates

The NIHR BRC have several different Patient and Public Involvement online training dates for researchers in 2024 (see below). Please visit https://bit.ly/Trg4PPI to book your place.

Using PPI to help communicating your research- 3 Dec, 12.00 - 1.30 pm

Training is free for NIHR, NHS, academic or charity-funded researchers, students or staff based in the UK. You must use a work-related email to register.

This training is free often runs at capacity, with large waiting lists. So, you must cancel your ticket if you cannot attend to allow another researcher the opportunity.  Please know your future bookings may be cancelled if you do not.

 

Clinical Research Network West Midlands Health and Care Research Scholars (HS) and Personal Development Award programmes for 2024-2026.

These programmes are aimed at future Chief Investigators and Principal Investigators.

For more information on the programmes, timelines and to download the guidance document and application forms please visit our site here and view our flyer about the scholar scheme  here.

 

Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) webinars and training: 

This article, initially shared in March 2023, offers a fantastic insight into 2 nurses research journeys. Take a look and hear their frank account of their experiences and how nurses play an absolutely crucial role in the research process.

Recordings of previous masterclasses can be found here: Research Masterclasses on Demand – The Queen's Nursing Institute (qni.org.uk).

 

Research advice drop-in sessions 
Sessions will run from 1.10pm - 1.50pm on 15th August, 6th September, 31st October and 27th November, 12-1pm - Book here . Are you curious about research but don’t know where to start? Have you been involved in research and want to do more? Do you have a research idea and need guidance to take the first step? Are you frustrated about evidence gaps where you practice? Join a research surgery drop-in session with Donna Clements to ask questions in a supportive place and for advice and guidance. Whether you are new to research or you have already begun your research journey, please come along for a chat.

Events – The Queen's Nursing Institute (qni.org.uk)

Are you interested in becoming a research mentor or being mentored through your research and career development journey? This scheme is open to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned academics and all those in between. The process will be largely independent and reliant on the initiative and

organisation of both the mentors and the mentees. Please read the Mentorship Scheme guidelines on our webpage before signing up.

Sign up here to be a mentor
Sign up here to be a mentee

Access Research Funding and Training Opportunities 

Access the QNI unique repository of research funding opportunities and training schemes open to community nurses. Find out more

Midlands Mental Health (MMH) and Neurosciences PHD Programme for Healthcare Professionals

The Midlands hosts the most innovative centres in mental health and neurosciences (MH&N), including digital mental health, clinical trials, neuroimaging, and epidemiology, serving an area of huge clinical need.

The Midlands Mental Health & Neurosciences PhD Programme is led by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, and University of Warwick, and our local NHS Trusts in the Midlands.  Click here  to find out more.

‘From the Research Design Service (RDS) desk - literature searching essentials
A crucial part of any research funding application is conducting a thorough literature search of your topic area. This can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry – help is at hand!

The RDS has recently created a collection of literature-searching resources to support you.  June’s RDS blog  provides an overview on how each resource can help.’

 

The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

A framework of master’s level qualifications is being developed jointly by the NIHR and the AoMRC, led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to provide the necessary networks, skills and confidence needed for healthcare practitioners from any regulated profession to lead and support clinical research delivery.

It consists of two key elements:

Online modules - Flexible access to modules of high-quality interactive learning. These theoretical modules will develop knowledge and insight of the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research.

Research Practice Experiences (RPE) – Practical modules that enable learners to take part in clinical research in their area of interest, as part of existing research studies, whilst being supported under the supervision and mentorship of a senior researcher. This will develop their experience and expertise to grow future local research leadership capability within the NHS. For more information, visit  here.

 

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings

This spreadsheet displays the results of a scoping review of local, regional, national and wider learning resources to support research engagement and delivery in the wider care and community setting non-NHS setting.

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings - Google Sheets

 

Midlands Mental Health (MMH) and Neurosciences PHD Programme for Healthcare Professionals

The Midlands hosts the most innovative centres in mental health and neurosciences (MH&N), including digital mental health, clinical trials, neuroimaging, and epidemiology, serving an area of huge clinical need.

The Midlands Mental Health & Neurosciences PhD Programme is led by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, and University of Warwick, and our local NHS Trusts in the Midlands.  Click here  to find out more.

Funding opportunities:

Funding opportunity: NIHR Doctoral Fellowship (Round 13)

• Applications are now OPEN for this 3 year full-time award that supports individuals to undertake a PhD in an area of research within the NIHR’s remit for personal awards.
• Find out more here: Funding opportunities | NIHR. Closing date: 16.1.25
• For more information and a list of all current funding opportunities, please visit the NIHR website.

 

MS Society Project Grants

Funding available to UK researchers based at universities and NHS institutions in the UK for hypothesis-driven projects relevant to the diagnosis, treatment and care of multiple sclerosis.

Max value: Discretionary. Application deadline: 21.01.25.

Links: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/for-researchers/funding

 

Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF) Personalized Approaches for Under-standing, Assessing and Improving Gait in Parkinson's Disease Research Program

Support for clinical studies to advance personalised approaches for under-standing, assessing and improving gait in people with Parkinson's disease.

Max value: £1,533,420 (2,000,000 USD). Application deadline: 14.01.25.

Links: Get in touch with us if interested

 

Clinical Research Network West Midlands Health and Care Research Scholars (HS) and Personal Development Award programmes for 2024-2026.

These programmes are aimed at future Chief Investigators and Principal Investigators.

For more information on the programmes, timelines and to download the guidance document and application forms please visit our site hereand view our flyer about the scholar scheme here.

 

MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowships (CRTF): Pre- and Post- Doctoral Awards

Fellowship awards for clinical researchers at pre-doctoral or entry level seeking to undertake two, three or four year projects, leading to a PhD or other higher degree, as well as post-doctoral awards for applicants seeking to reacquire re-search skills.

Max value: Discretionary. Application deadline: 15.01.25.

Links:

MRC Post-Doctoral Clinical Research Training Fellowships

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/post-doctoral-clinical-research-training-fellowship/

MRC Pre-Doctoral Clinical Research Training Fellowships

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/pre-doctoral-clinical-research-training-fellowship/

 

NIHR Advanced Fellowships

Funding for researchers who have recently been or are about to be awarded a PhD, or researchers with several years of postdoctoral experience, for early trans-lational, clinical and applied health research, and social care research.

Max value: Discretionary. Application deadline: 23.01.25.

Links: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/advanced-fellowship-round-13/97023

 

Stroke Association Clinical-Academic Postdoctoral Fellowships

Funding is available to postgraduate researchers in stroke research who have al-ready completed a PhD and who are establishing themselves nationally, both clini-cally and academically.

Max value: £235,000. Application deadline: 31.01.25.

Links: https://www.stroke.org.uk/research/our-funding-schemes/postdoctoral-fellowships

 

Stroke Association Postgraduate Fellowships

Fellowship to support nurses and allied health professionals seeking to undertake a postgraduate qualification leading to a career in stroke research.

Max value: Discretionary. Application deadline: 31.01.25.

Links: https://www.stroke.org.uk/research/our-funding-schemes/postgraduate-fellowships

 

Stroke Association Clinical Lectureship for Medical Professionals

Lectureship funding programme designed to provide secure and stable long term support for medical professionals seeking to develop an ac-tive research career in stroke research whilst also maintaining clinical practice obligations.

Max value: £240,000. Application deadline: 17.02.25.

Links: https://www.stroke.org.uk/research/our-funding-schemes/lectureships

 

European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) - EFSD/Novo Nordisk A/S Programme for Diabetes Research in Europe

This partnership programme supports diabetes research in all fields, undertaken in Europe, including both basic and clinical research.

Max value: £83,165 (€100,000) . Application deadline: 03.02.25.

Links: https://www.europeandiabetesfoundation.org/workshops/85-efsd-and-novo-nordisk-programme-diabetes-research-europe.html

 

European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) - EFSD/Lilly Young Investigator Research Award Programme

Grants for early career researchers conducting innovative research in any area of diabetes.

Max value: £41,582 (€50,000). Application deadline: 17.02.25.

Links: https://www.europeandiabetesfoundation.org/workshops/93-efsdlilly-young-investigator-research-award-programme.html

 

BRACE Equipment Grants for Alzheimer's Research

Equipment grants to support researchers based at academic research organisations and research institutes in Southwest England and South Wales undertaking research into Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Max value: £20,000. Application deadline: 03.03.25.

Links: https://www.alzheimers-brace.org/apply-for-a-research-grant

Complete this form and email it back to us so we can help you get started. Don’t forget to have a chat with your line manager and build research into your career development plan or your continuing professional development (CPD) conversations.

We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

What's 'portfolio' research?

Portfolio research is large-scale clinical research that has been adopted onto the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research portfolio. There are several large-scale portfolio studies currently running in the Trust in which our Clinical Research Practitioners can assist. If you've heard of a study you are interested in please contact u s.

Where can I find out about non-portfolio research?

Talk to Sam Whitby, Research Manager, if you want to find out about non-portfolio research. Call 07872 421195 or email.

I need help formalising my research idea – where do I go?

Talk to your colleagues about your idea. You'll need to establish whether it's research, audit or an evaluation. If it is research you'll need to do a literature review to see if someone has already researched the area - the Health Librarians can help with this.

The National Institute for Health Research Design Service can then help you develop your idea and point you in the right direction to secure funding. Please also contact us for support with developing your research question.

How do I get funding for my research project?

There are funding streams and available awards available from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) there is also a specific funding stream aimed at clinicians within ‘Research for Patient Benefit.’

I'm doing a research project as part of my MSc or PhD - what do I do to get it approved?

First ensure your study is research and not an audit or evaluation. You will need external ethics approval for most research undertaken within the NHS. Go to the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) for more information. You then need to get local Trust approval from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust. Call or email Sam Whitby for more information: samanthawhitby@nhs.net or 07872 421195.