My current role is based around governance which incorporates ethical, financial and feasibility issues surrounding UK legislation for research in human participants.
I am responsible for the processing of research studies from pre-approval through to completion. I provide ongoing support to investigators and researchers recruiting to studies within this Trust, guiding them through our processes which are frequently changing according to national guidelines.
All studies are thoroughly risk assessed to ensure they are appropriately resourced and conducted according to applicable regulations. The office is responsible for governance of projects which proceed through the NIHR Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (CSP), which is linked with NIHR portfolio activity to ensure good management of the overall Research & Development process nationally. We aim to progress all research applications promptly an efficiently within the current policy frameworks.
Other tasks include audits, amendments, contracts and general day to day governance of research studies. We liaise closely with the Newcastle University Grants & Contracts team, also part of the Joint Research Office, regarding research studies that involve both organisations.