Research governance

Research governance within a council refers to the processes and procedures in place to ensure that all research activities are conducted ethically, legally, and to a high standard of quality. Research can make a real contribution to increasing knowledge and improving practice. The governance process provides a defined quality assurance mechanism. It aims to protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of research participants. It also protects the research by ensuring that there are clear arrangements in place to identify and manage any risks associated with a study. 

The UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research sets out principles of good practice in the management and conduct of health and social care research in the UK. 

It's for organisations and individuals that have responsibilities for health and social care research. This includes funders, sponsors, researchers and their employers, research sites and care providers. It's for everyone working in health and social care; managers and staff regardless of grade or level. 

It sets out the standards and procedures to have a rigorous and effective governance system in place. It requires that all research involving service users, carers or staff has its methodology and ethical standards reviewed and approved prior to the research commencing. It's for those who participate in, fund and manage research and those who allow research to be undertaken in their organisation. Its principles will also be followed for any research approved by the council. 

We want to make sure that social care and public health research within Shropshire Council is of good quality, ethical and useful.

Our research governance process helps us to do this and makes sure that people carrying out research take all reasonable steps to protect the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of the service users, families, carers and staff involved in the study.

You can find out more in the attached document.

The guide includes links to further information and the research governance application form (a Word copy is also attached to this page).

If you have any questions please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk and your enquiry with be directed appropriately.