NIHR Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (CSP) for Investigators

What is NIHR CSP?

NIHR CSP is a consistent, standardised process for gaining NHS permission in England for NIHR CRN Portfolio studies. It has been designed to address all quality assurance and statutory research requirements.

NIHR CSP ensures clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of sponsors, investigators, Research Networks and NHS Trusts and establishes time targets for key stages.

How does  NIHR CSP work?

The system is coordinated by the national NIHR CSP Unit based within the NIHR Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre (NIHR CRN CC), working in collaboration with the 25 Comprehensive Local Research Networks (CLRNs). NIHR CSP is operated according to clear national guidelines which have been designed to reduce duplication and speed up the permission process. The operating guidelines also require that investigators be notified at key points during the permission process. CLRNs will be in regular contact with investigators.

Applications for NHS R&D permission for potentially eligible studies will enter NIHR CSP via IRAS. Following completion of the governance procedures required by NIHR CSP process, a governance report will be produced which will used to obtain R&D permission from the NHS Trusts involved in the research.

For a flowchart of the process please click here.

What does this mean for investigators?

Investigators will not have to submit separate applications for R&D permission directly to the NHS Trusts hosting the research, as is currently the practice.

The information provided by investigators in IRAS will start the CSP process. Investigators do not have to submit IRAS information again for the purposes of CSP, as the information is taken directly from IRAS. However, investigators may have to supply certain supporting documentation to CLRNs as directed in IRAS.

Investigators are kept updated on progress and are notified once NHS R&D Permission has been given.

The West Anglia CLRN has adopted a devolved model for its RM&G function with the result that it will be the exiting R&D staff at NHS Trusts who are responsible for CSP. This should help to minimise change for investigators. For more detail, please see the West Anglia CLRN RM&G Organisational Structure.

Additional Information

Additional information about NIHR CSP can be found by following the links below: 

NIHR CRN CC Website: NIHR CSP web pages

NIHR CSP Leaflet  

Last updated: 30 June 2010