Research Passport

Research Passport (Honorary Research Contracts)

In England, the 'Research in the NHS - Human Resources (HR) Good Practice' which incorporates the research passport, in being rolled out across the Comprehensive Local Research Networks (CLRNs). UKCRN hosted a first training session for CLRN Senior Managers and Lead RM&G Managers in late January 2008 (link to presentations given at this event below). Rhian Hughes, who led a successful pilot of the research passport in Staffordshire is leading on these training sessions with assistance from Ian Goodall and Janet Messer (NHS R&D Forum). The implementation of the roll out in England will follow a 'train the trainer' approach similar to that used during the initial pilot training. CLRN leads will then be responsible for leading training sessions with research management and HR teams from local universities and the NHS.

Further information is available on the Department of Health website

More information is available from Ian Goodall (i.goodall@ukcrn.org.uk), Rhian Hughes (r.w.hughes@cphc.keele.ac.uk) or Janet Messer (janet.messer@rdforum.vispa.com)

Northern Ireland is committed to rolling out the Research Passport system as soon as is feasible. Following completion of the first wave of the Review of Public Administration for the region the Research Passport initiative will be taken forward by a joint Health and Social Care/University working group with appropriate representatives from Human Resources and R&D early in 2008. Further information will be circulated locally by the HSC shortly. The local contact for information is Frances Burns, Research Manager, Tel: 02890 632224 or Nicola Armstrong, Programme Manager - Nursing, Tel: 02890 553617.

The Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive is actively supporting the Research Passport initiative. Universities Scotland also back the Research Passport system and appreciate its remit. The system is being rolled out as part of the development of the National Research Governance System in Scotland. Implementation plans are being drafted at Health Board level with appropriate partner organisations. The plans will include close collaboration between human resources and research support departments in both the NHS and university sectors. The local contact for information is liz.coote@nhs.net

In Wales, the rollout of the Research Passport system is underway. The Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care (WORD) issed a Welsh Health Circular (WHC) in November 2007 which endorsed the rollout of the Research Passport system and the 'Research in the NHS - Human Resources (HR) Good Practice resource pack'. WORD will be sending out letters to key personnel in NHS Human Resources and within Higher Education Institutions endorsing and promoting the rollout which is expected to be completed by 1 April 2008. There are currently no further plans for local training events in Wales. Please register interest for further training with alex.newberry@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Statement of Endorsement by UKCRC Partners
UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) partners have recommended routine use of the Research Passport for issuing NHS Honorary Research Contracts.

The Research Passport now forms part of the Research in the NHS – Human Resources Good Practice Resource Pack (October 2007) issued for use by all NHS organisations in the UK.