UKCRC Partners issue statement of endorsement for the Research Passport

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.

It was originally prepared and launched in the north-west of England by the North West Strategic Health Authority working in partnership with local NHS organisations and universities. Following this success it was prepared by the UKCRC for UK-wide use.

The Research Passport is designed to save the valuable time and resources of Human Resources, R&D departments and researchers. It promotes consistent use of honorary research contracts by the NHS and its partners, and provides clear guidance on their use. The Research Passport system also provides a streamlined, standard application system for honorary research contracts. Importantly, it minimises the demand for repeat checks for every honorary research contract, by providing guidance on the circumstances when it is reasonable to rely on assurances offered by those who have already conducted these checks.

The Research Passport is the new standard approach to issuing NHS honorary research contracts to those, with no contractual relationship with the NHS, wishing to conduct studies in the NHS. It is designed for use throughout the UK. It forms part of the Research in the NHS – Human Resources Good Practice Resource Pack.

The Resource Pack additionally contains clear guidance regarding the use of pre-engagement checks for those already in a contractual relationship with the NHS: i.e. with either a substantive employment contract or honorary clinical contract - and who wish to conduct research across several NHS organisations.