Health & Social Care Research Across North East & North Cumbria.
Learning & Training
Find the right training
Explore our tips to find the right resources to help build and advance your skills in research.
1 Introducing you to health and care research
Getting started in health and care research can be as simple as having a conversation with a colleague or spending time completing an online course.
You can also explore our selection of recommended resources to help you begin to develop your understanding of research.
Clinical research is everyone’s future
What: The aim of this short (6 minute) video is to help people understand what clinical research is, why it matters to patients, and how to help patients get involved. It is presented by Dr Allan Gaw, a doctor, scientist and writer who has been working in clinical research for over 30 years.
Who: This video is aimed at anyone with an interest in understanding what clinical research is, how it happens and the impact it has.
How: This video can be accessed through YouTube
Clinical research in the NHS programme
What: This two-day course is designed to give medical trainees a greater understanding of basic research skills and how to develop those skills further, as well as a better understanding of how research happens in the NHS and the Clinical Research Network.
The programme is aimed at allowing participants to:
- describe quantitative & qualitative research methodologies
- develop an understanding of how critical appraisal skills can improve practice
- appreciate how statistics should be used (and abused!)
- recognise how research writing and presenting skills can be developed
- provide evidence towards curriculum research competency
- describe the local research networks and the external environment
- develop an understanding of how research is delivered in the NHS
- consider future options for developing a career in clinical research within the NHS
- consider future options for developing research skills
Who: This is a two-day programme for medical trainees. It has been commissioned by Health Education England North East, and developed and delivered by Newcastle University and Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria.
How: This course is regularly promoted through the medical schools. To find out more in the first instance contact [email protected].
The cost of the course can be reclaimed from the study leave budget.
Improving healthcare through clinical research
What: This online course explores how medical treatments are discovered, tested and evaluated to improve health and care for all.
Everything we do in healthcare has to be discovered and thoroughly tested before it can be put into practice. In this course, you will explore clinical research – its challenges and its huge benefits to modern healthcare. You will work through case studies and examine how research contributes to the treatment of major diseases, such as cancer and dementia, examining the process of conducting research and the ethical questions raised. You will learn how members of a research team, academics and participants in clinical research all contribute to this process of discovery.
Who: This course is designed for anyone who wants to know more about modern healthcare, and the role of clinical research and discovery within it.
It will be of special interest to: students at school or college; undergraduates or postgraduates who are contemplating a career in healthcare or the life sciences; and health and social care professionals and practitioners who want to find out more about the role of clinical research in improving healthcare.
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. By completing the course you will have achieved 16 hours of CPD time.
How: The course is freely available to all from FutureLearn.
Raising awareness of and embedding research courses
What: This three-day online course offers the opportunity to learn about the essentials of health and social care research and will provide an insight into how research is designed and undertaken across a range of settings.
It will look at how organisations support research and give you the opportunity to explore how research is embedded in practice as well as some of the career opportunities that are linked with health and social care research.
Who: This course is aimed at all health and social care staff who have an interest in health and social care research with limited recent experience. You will currently be employed within primary, secondary or social care, public health and other community settings.
How: This course is delivered by NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. Please contact [email protected] for course dates, booking information and to request an application form.
There is no cost to attend this course, however participants must seek support from their supervisor or line manager.
Research practice in clinical settings
What: This online learning course will introduce you to how health research is undertaken in clinical settings. It focuses upon practical aspects of regulatory and governance frameworks underpinning research in the UK.
The course covers:
- the foundations of health research
- the core legal, regulatory and financial frameworks underpinning health research in the UK
- the importance of documentation and good record keeping
- the requirements of safety reporting
Who: This e-learning course is appropriate for staff working to support research delivery. You may be caring for a patient who is also a research participant, or you may have been invited to work within a research study team where you are following clearly defined processes.
Please note this is not an Introduction to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course. Research staff who are required to complete GCP training should complete the e-learning 'An Introduction to Good Clinical Practice (GCP)' course and any additional learning instructed by study sponsors, and Trust R&D departments.
How: The Research Practice in Clinical Settings course is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
What: If you’re interested in taking part in health research or discovering how to get involved in supporting health research, this course will help to answer your questions before you make the decision.
Have you ever wondered how doctors and nurses know what treatment or care to give?
It’s only through health research that healthcare professionals find new and better ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating disease. Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatment.
This online course explores the world of health research and the role volunteers play in transforming treatments and improving health care. You will learn how health research happens, why it matters and what to expect if you take part. You will also hear stories from people who have taken part in research; why they volunteered and the difference it made.
Who: This course is designed for anyone who is interested in taking part in health research or discovering how to get involved in supporting health research.
How: The course is freely available to all from FutureLearn.
Starting out in health and social care research
2 Building your confidence and skills
Building your research skills doesn’t have to be a total career change. Starting small and doing little and often can sometimes bring the most benefit.
Building your confidence as a research professional can be as simple as rethinking your continuing professional development options, undertaking different structured courses or qualifications and gaining practical experience.
See our selection of recommended resources to help you expand your knowledge and understanding of research and to get more involved. This includes Good Clinical Practice training which is a prerequisite for many research related activities.
Delegation of duties in research
What: Anyone undertaking research tasks in health and care environments is required to be adequately trained and skilled, and that the tasks they are undertaking have been appropriately delegated to them.
The online course will:
- define the term ‘delegation of duties in research’
- explain the role of the principal investigator (PI) and the process of delegation
- identify the training, education and experience that may be required for delegated activities
- help participants to understand their current training needs
Who: This e-learning course is aimed at anyone involved in delivering research studies who needs to understand the level of training they may need (including Good Clinical Practice), and to make sure they are undertaking the correct learning for their role and responsibility.
How: The Delegation of Duties in Research course is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
Equality, diversity and inclusion in health and social care research
What: Widening access to research to more, and different, patient and public groups is a priority for the NIHR and research has shown there are benefits for doing so for the quality of research, for research participants and for the wider populations who benefit from the findings of the research.
The short e-learning course has been developed to give participants more information about why some groups are underserved in clinical research, why this matters and what can be done about it.
Who: This short e-learning course has been designed for anyone working in health and social care research environments with an interest in widening access to research.
How: The equality, diversity and inclusion in health and social care research course is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
What: Good clinical practice (GCP) is the international ethical, scientific and practical standard to which all clinical research is conducted.
It is important that everyone involved in research is trained or appropriately experienced to perform the tasks they undertake. GCP training is a requirement set out in the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research developed by the Health Research Authority for researchers conducting clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs).
Different types of research may require different training, and some researchers are already well trained and competent in their area of expertise. Some researchers doing other types of study may also benefit from undertaking GCP training but other training may be more relevant.
Who: The NIHR offers a range of GCP courses and training aids for the clinical research delivery workforce. Our GCP courses are designed for individuals involved in the delivery of studies at research sites.
Visit the NIHR Learn Help pages to learn more about the level of training that may be appropriate for your needs.
How: GCP training courses can be freely accessed through NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access these courses. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
What: Valid informed consent is a key element of good clinical practice and research ethics, and is a fundamental part of undertaking research involving people.
The core half day face to face course aims to give participants an understanding of the ethical and legislative frameworks underpinning the research consent process and the principles and responsibilities of consent in health and care research. It also aims to provide a foundation on which to build competence in the practice of informed consent in their research setting.
The course aims to enable participants to:
- understand the ethical and legislative frameworks that underpins, the research consent process
- understand the principles and responsibilities of consent in clinical research
- gain an insight into the added protection required for vulnerable groups
- develop confidence in participating in the research consent process
Who: These courses are aimed at anyone who may be involved in discussing the opportunity to take part in a research study with patients and potential participants.
How:
The Informed Consent course is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Supplementary e-learning courses are also available which are designed to complement this core course, and include:
- informed consent in paediatric research
- informed content with adults lacking capacity
- informed consent in emergency settings
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
NIHR Associate Principal Investigator scheme
What: The Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme aims to develop doctors, nurses and other health professionals to become the principal investigators (PIs) of the future by giving them practical and managed experience in the role.
The scheme gives people who might not have the opportunity to take part in clinical research in their current role the chance to experience what it means to deliver a NIHR portfolio trial under the mentorship of an experienced PI. The scheme is a six month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience together with access to supporting training.
Participating healthcare professionals receive formal recognition of engagement in NIHR portfolio research studies through the certification of associate PI status, endorsed by the NIHR and Royal Colleges.
Who: The scheme is open to healthcare professionals based in the UK who do not have research as a core part of their role and wish to experience participating in NIHR portfolio research.
You must be able to commit to six months of working on a study registered on the scheme, usually at your place of work.
How: Visit the links below:
What: The Research Learning Lectures are a series of lectures covering a variety of topics relating to basic science, clinical trial methodology and statistics. The lectures provide career advice for anyone who wishes to know more about research or work towards a career in research or academia. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from and put questions to research experts from across the world. The Research Learning Lectures have been developed by Dr Kiran Reddy and Queen’s University Belfast Critical Care & Respiratory Research Group and are hosted by the NIHR Associate PI Scheme.
Who: The lectures series is aimed at:
- Current Associate PIs
- Associate PI Alumni
- Health and Care professionals with an interest in learning more about research.
- Those with an interest in learning about research delivery or research leadership
- Those with an interest in a career in Clinical Academia
How: The Research Learning Lectures series is freely accessible to all. To participate, please register for a session on the schedule page. You can also access the recordings to watch at your own pace.
What: NIHR Learn insights is a bi-monthly digest and learning resource for all research professionals working in health and care.
Insights includes regular news and updates on NIHR Learn, together with tools and resources to help you to identify solutions to your learning and development needs and support your career development.
Every issue focuses upon specific research related topics and presents a number of articles from a range of perspectives that explore these in depth.
Who: This electronic digest is for anyone involved in health and care research.
How: NIHR Learn insights is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
Patient and public involvement: inspiring new researchers
What: Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in research means involving patients and the public in all aspects of the research and innovation process, rather than them simply being the subjects of it. It means that research is carried out ‘with’’ and ‘by’ patients and public, rather than it being done ‘to’ them. Involving patients and the public brings a unique perspective arising from their experience of living with, or caring for someone with, healthcare conditions.
Involving patients and members of the public is also a necessary requirement for research funded by the NIHR and many other funding organisations.
This course is designed to help anyone involved in health and care research to understand the importance of involving patients and the public in the research process and to develop tools to do this in practice.
Who: This e-learning course is aimed at anyone involved in health and care research.
How: The Patient and Public Involvement: Inspiring new Researchers course is freely available from NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme (PIPP)
What: The NIHR’s Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme aims to address some of the current gaps in career opportunities for research delivery nurses and midwives by supporting them to become Principal Investigators (PIs) to deliver NIHR portfolio studies.
The programme will develop the skills, knowledge and experience required by research nurses and midwives to undertake a PI role, and consists of four key elements.
- Element 1 covers the role and the responsibilities of the PI on a NIHR portfolio study and why the role is important in the delivery of high quality research.
- Element 2 provides supervised experience in the PI role, enabling the development of practical knowledge and skills in a safe environment.
- Element 3 continues to build on the practical experience gained in Element 2 by undertaking the PI role on a NIHR portfolio study.
- Element 4 consolidates all of the programme learning by asking participants to mentor other learners in Element 3 of the programme.
Who: The programme is open to research delivery nurses and midwives who want to develop their research leadership skills.
How: Please visit the link below to find out more about the programme, including how to apply.
3 Continuing to build your research career
There are a number of different directions that you may choose to develop your research career in. You may wish to pursue your own research questions, or you may want to lead the delivery of others’ research studies.
Here is a selection of recommended resources that can help you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to continue building your own research career.
CRN North East North Cumbria Greenshoots programme
What: The NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria Greenshoots scheme aims to develop the population of skilled principal investigators in the region by providing funding, training and support to lead a supported NIHR portfolio study.
Typically awards last for one or two years and begin in April.
Who: The scheme is open to all healthcare professionals who have not recently been a PI on a study and have the support of their line manager or supervisor. Applicants must also have access to a suitable study.
How: Awards are made following a competitive application process.
HEE-NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme
The Health Education England (HEE) / NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic (ICA) programme provides research training awards for health and social care professionals, excluding doctors and dentists, who wish to develop careers that combine research and research leadership with continued practice and professional development.
The NHS Leadership Academy aims to help everyone in the NHS discover their full leadership potential and achieve the highest standards in health and care.
The academy offers a wide range of leadership programmes, lifelong learning and talent schemes that are designed to deliver the NHS People Plan and our People Promise.
The academy has a number of regional centres including one for the North East and Yorkshire.
The NHS R&D forum is a UK professional network for the research management, support and leadership community in health and care.
The forum connects, supports and represents those in research and development roles who are working to benefit patients and the public by enabling healthcare research and innovation to happen in the UK. We host the UK directory for all research and development offices and non-commercial sponsors and the NHS research and development forum resources exchange.
The forum offers a range of learning, training and development resources in research management support and leadership for health and care.
The NIHR Academy is responsible for the development and coordination of NIHR academic training, career development and research capacity development.
The academy plays a pivotal role in attracting, training and supporting the best health and care researchers to tackle the complex challenges of the future. The training and career development awards provided complement the additional NIHR investment in world-class research facilities and a skilled research workforce.
There is a wide range of training and career development support through our NIHR Academy awards available at different levels, and accessible by different professional backgrounds. These awards comprise both personal awards, which can be applied for directly, and institutional awards which should be applied for through the host institution.
Some of these awards can be used to establish new partnerships with the life sciences industry and charitable organisations. These partnerships aim to help deliver research outputs quickly and push the boundaries of health and care research.
NIHR-AoMRC clinician researcher credentials framework postgraduate certificate
The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework has been developed jointly by the NIHR and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), working with higher education institutions to develop a national framework of master’s level qualifications.
These qualifications provide the networks, skills and confidence needed for healthcare practitioners from any regulated profession to lead and support clinical research delivery.
The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework is aimed at experienced health and care practitioners from all professional backgrounds, who aspire to take on the roles of collaborator, co-investigator or principal investigator (PI). This includes those who have no or limited research experience and those currently working in research delivery.
Clinician researchers may be from all registered healthcare disciplines including medicine, nursing, midwifery, pharmacists, healthcare scientists and other allied health professions.
Clinician researchers are individuals with responsibility for leading or contributing to clinical research locally within their clinical setting, whilst maximising the potential of working as part of a Clinical Research Network.
Within a research team, they predominantly take on the role of collaborator, co-investigator or principal investigator (PI).
NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) scheme alumni area
Once you have completed the Associate Principal Investigator (API) scheme, you may be interested in exploring the API scheme alumni area on NIHR Learn.
This resources provides additional learning for anybody interested in becoming a Principal Investigator in the future. It was create with insight from current Principal Investigators and includes tips on how to continue to stay engaged while delivering research locally.
The API alumni area is freely available on NIHR Learn.
Participants will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the care. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
Watch the video to find out more.
NIHR Leaders Support and Development Programme
The NIHR Leaders Support and Development Programme seeks to maintain and improve the quality of leadership in health and social care research. The programme aims to do this by meeting the development needs of current leaders and early to mid-career researchers within the NIHR.
The NIHR Leaders Support and Development Programme recognises and rewards:
- collaborative, multi-professional approaches to research
- the embracing of innovation and new opportunities and technologies
- active involvement and engagement of patients, carers and the public
- respect for the diversity of methodological and theoretical practices
- personal and professional development and the support of colleagues.
Programmes and resources include:
4 Exploring more great resources from our region
In addition to the Clinical Research Network, there are many other organisations across the region that can provide you with the knowledge and skill (and sometimes funding) to help you continue your research career.
We know it can be difficult to know what support is available, so we have specifically developed guidance in the Getting Support section where you can find more information. But here are some great resources you may wish to explore.
NIHR Research Support Service delivered by Newcastle University and Partners
The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) provides guidance and input to researchers to develop applications to national, peer-reviewed research programmes. This covers all NIHR programmes and UK Research Councils, as well as national health and care charities.
The RSS is a national service, delivered by eight hubs and two Specialist Centres (in Public Health and Social Care). Hubs are a partnership of organisations and individuals with expertise in applied health and care research. The NIHR RSS delivered by Newcastle University and Partners is one of eight hubs.
All hubs and Specialist Centres can support researchers with advice on:
- finding funding sources
- refining research questions, aims and objectives
- developing appropriate methodological approaches
- planning projects, teams and budgets
- planning for implementation and impact
- writing techniques/pitching an application
- patient, public, service user and community involvement and engagement
- research design to maximise equality, diversity and inclusion
To receive guidance and input, please use the NIHR RSS contact form or email [email protected].
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