Applying for a grant

Click on each step below to find out how to prepare a grant application for a research project.

1. Research Support Service (RSS)

The RSS provides expert support and advice to applied health, public health and social care researchers on the design and delivery of research and the development of research funding applications.

They operate as a national service allowing researchers to access the most appropriate support. The service is delivered through eight RSS Hubs, which are partnerships of research organisations, groups and clinical trials units. Each Hub offers a wide range of research support and methods expertise. In addition, the RSS has Specialist Centres with expertise in public health and social care research.

Access the RSS via this link: Research Support Service | NIHR

2. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)

All researchers and research teams are expected to meaningfully involve patients and the public in the development of research protocols and funding applications to ensure research meets their needs. The CPFT Research Team has a dedicated PPIE Lead to provide support for this element of funding applications. Please contact RandD@cpft.nhs.uk for support as early as possible.

3. Prepare the costing information

All researchers applying for grants must complete a SoECAT as part of their application - as it gives funders reassurance that the site level activities within the study have been attributed correctly in line with DHSC AcoRD guidance.

For more detailed guidance and help to complete a SoECAT, contact the R&D office at RandD@cpft.nhs.uk.

Additionally, for CPFT NHS Trust specific costings please contact the R&D office at  RandD@cpft.nhs.uk.

You can also request specialist help to complete a SoECAT from: cuh.soecat@nhs.net.

4. Request authorisation from the lead NHS organisation

Most grant applications require the signature of a finance representative and an executive of the lead NHS organisation. It is advisable to check their availability and let them view the draft a fortnight before your submission deadline.

Please contact the CPFT Research Team for assistance as early as possible: RandD@cpft.nhs.uk

Once you've finalised the grant application and received authorisation from the lead NHS organisation, you can submit it by the deadline.