Aims and Objectives

The creation of a high quality research infrastructure for clinical research will require a substantial increase in the clinical research workforce.

A core function of the UKCRN T&E work stream is to encourage partnership working to develop a coherent approach to training and education in clinical research. Working in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders the UKCRN T&E team have developed and implemented a number of responsibilities and roles including:

2.1  Providing a focus for coordination across T&E providers in the arena of clinical research
2.2  Creation, development and coordination of a national programme of training and  education to facilitate learning
2.3  Providing information and advice on learning opportunities for people involved in clinical research
2.4  Facilitation of sharing good practice across Clinical Research Networks
2.5  Representation on relevant organisations and committees pertinent to T&E.

The UKCRN T&E team strives to create, advance and disseminate knowledge in order to contribute towards the development of an outstanding workforce and empower patients/the public to make a major impact upon clinical research in the UK. The UKCRN T&E provision aims to be of high quality with a reputation for delivery and professionalism. The objective is to provide a programme of workforce development that is a valuable resource and relevant to all those working and associated with the UKCRN.

Alongside the statement of purpose a set of objectives has been identified to provide a frame of reference to strengthen the common purpose of the UKCRN T&E work stream.

1. To provide a high quality and supportive learning environment that is inclusive, accessible and learner focused
2. To ensure all staff and patients/the public participating in UKCRN related work have the opportunity to regularly undertake professional and personal development through providing access to training and education provision
3. To facilitate staff performance in their area of work associated with UKCRN. Reflection, review, feedback and opportunities for learning should form an integral part of everyone’s work experience with UKCRN
4. To actively engage patients and the public in the T&E work and to champion public involvement in T&E and clinical research more widely
5. To deliver a T&E programme that is recognised both internally and externally as high quality 6. To ensure the T&E work stream is effective through identifying and implementing the most efficient approaches to capacity building and putting in place robust evaluations of all aspects of T&E work
7. To provide information and signpost to appropriate workforce development opportunities, including UKCRN programmes and provision external to UKCRN
8. To deliver T&E programmes with structures and learning strategies matched to staff and patient/public learning capabilities and qualifications
9. To ensure that T&E provision takes into account the training requirements of appropriate professional bodies to enable accreditation and recognition of continual professional development (CPD) points
10. To vitalise the learning process by providing opportunities to exchange research ideas and concepts with colleagues from across clinical research networks across the UK
11. To disseminate knowledge locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and enhance the UKCRNs reputation
12. To achieve best value for money in all T&E activities
13. To provide training and education that enhances motivation and job/role satisfaction
14. To ensure that all T&E programmes are able to respond to the evolving arena of clinical research in the future
15. To represent the UKCRN on relevant organisations and committees pertinent to T&E.