Before you apply to a REC for ethical review of your project, you need to consider whether it meets their definition of 'research'. Projects NOT classed as research do not require ethical approval to be granted by a REC. The document 'Defining Research', available to download from the 'Documents' section on the right, provides guidance on distinguishing research from clinical audit and service evaluation, and indicates whether review by a REC is required. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also has a very useful toolkit which can assist with identifying research and can be found under the documents section.

I think my project is research...what next?

You should register on IRAS, the Integrated Research Application System, which is a ‘one-stop shop’ for applying to multiple agencies such as the REC, R&D, MHRA etc.

The form has help sections throughout to assist you with the completion of the forms and you can also refer to the NRES website which also provides guidance on the application process.

The Mental Health Research Network (MHRN) has a useful document which gives an overview of what needs to be considered when setting up a research project and can be found under the documents section.

Please note that favourable ethical opinion from a REC for your research is required IN ADDITION TO approval by the R&D office. Researchers must submit all IRAS forms, information and supporting documentation - including subsequent amendments - to the R&D office as well as to the REC. Applicants are advised to submit applications in parallel to R&D and to the REC to avoid unnecessary delays.

Sponsorship

CPFT is willing to sponsor studies led by its employees and honorary contract holders. If you currently do not have a sponsor for your research, please contact the R&D Office to discuss possible arrangements.

www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk

R&D and Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN)

Before you progress with your application you need to decide whether your research is eligible to be adopted by the Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN).

The CLRN can potentially assist with the staffing and financial aspects of your study and eligibility is based on whether you have or will receive external funding for your project.

To apply for adoption by the CLRN you should complete the relevant question on the filter page (currently question 5a) on the IRAS form and this will generate an NIHR CSP application form. When you submit this form it will go to the central office where adoption will be considered based on the information provided within the form. Our local CLRN is the West Anglia Comprehensive Local Research Network (WACLRN).

You will receive an e-mail from the CLRN confirming whether your project has been adopted onto the portfolio and when the relevant forms can be submitted to R&D. Please do follow the guidance provided within these e-mails when completing your application.

For research not eligible for adoption onto the portfolio, you should submit your application to the REC and R&D office in parallel to ensure there are no delays. The same documents should be sent to both offices.

Please note that favourable ethical opinion from a REC for your research is required in addition to approval by the R&D office.