Comprehensive Local Research Networks

The Comprehensive Clinical Research Network consists of 25 Comprehensive Local Research Networks (CLRNs) covering the whole of England. Click on the areas below for further information about each Network.

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CLRNs will be the primary vehicle for providing infrastructure to support study involvement. They will encourage participation in the range of high quality clinical studies in the UKCRN portfolio and will provide a coordinated and efficient infrastructure of research personnel and facilities to support recruitment.

The structure and organisation of each CLRN will vary according to the demographic make-up of the local population and the nature of the service providers within it.

What type of support will the CLRNs provide?
The type of support provided by a CLRN will include some or all of the following:

• appropriate staff costs, such as:
  a part time Clinical Lead for Research
  a full time Network Manager
  Research Management staff
  Research Nurses
  Clinical Trials Officers/Practitioners
  Data Managers
  sessional protected time for clinicians of all professions who enter patients into clinical research studies within the UKCRN portfolio
  other clinical staff sessions
  
• appropriate infrastructure in the primary care setting, such as:
  practice nurse time
  receptionist time
  manager time
  
• appropriate diagnostic test or clinical services costs, such as:
  pharmacy support
  pathology support
  radiology support
  information technology support
  
• essential running costs
  office set up
  office consumables
  
• essential training and education:
  launch meetings
  topic specific operational and training meetings.

How will CLRNs operate?
Each CLRN will be led by a Clinical Director who will provide leadership for all aspects of the CLRNs work, including developing the Network strategy and overseeing its implementation, supported by a CLRN Executive Group and a Senior Manager.

Each CLRN will also have a broader Network Board which will include representation from all the NHS organisations, and relevant higher education institutions and other stakeholders, within the CLRN area. The Network Board will take oversight of the activities of the CLRN and ensure that the interests and priorities of the constituent organisations are carefully considered and inform its activities.

The CLRN host organisation will provide the high quality management services required by the Network, such as human resources, finance, premises and facilities.