If your research involves WAHT's patients, data or facilities and you are not already employed by the Trust, in addition to requiring R&D permission for your project, you may need to be covered by an appropriate HR agreement before your research can begin.
The type of HR agreement you need will be assessed in accordance with the principles set out in the Research in the NHS: HR Good Practice Resource Pack (the resource pack) as part of the governance approval process at WAHT. The resource pack describes streamlined arrangements, including the Research Passport System, for those wishing to conduct their research in the NHS. Researchers may wish to familiarise themselves with the process flowcharts and guidance documents available on the NIHR website.
Depending on the nature of your research, it may be necessary for you to undergo specific pre-engagement checks, such as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and/or occupational health screening. It is your employers responsibility to ensure that checks meet the requirements of relevant safeguarding and health and safety legislation. As a host organisation, WAHT is responsible for ensuring that checks are commensurate with your research role, the type of research and its duty of care.
Where required, any new or additional pre-engagement checks should be arranged through your substantive employer. On occasion, however, it be necessary for WAHT to repeat specific checks and/or request that additional pre-engagement checks are undertaken. It is advisable therefore to contact our HR in Research Good Practice:Research Passport Lead (see below) early in the study set up phase to discuss the pre-engagement checks required for your research activity and ensure that these are undertaken in good time.
Please note WAHT can only process your request once confirmation of the necessary pre-engagement checks has been provided.
If you are a university employee or a student you will need to complete a Research Passport form, which needs to be completed by the researcher, the university and a validating NHS organisation.
If you are NHS staff or a clinical academic, you and your NHS employer will need to complete an NHS proforma confirmation of pre-engagement checks. Please first check with your employer to find out what process they follow to provide confirmation of pre-engagement checks, as this may vary from Trust to Trust.
If you would like further information about how to go about obtaining the necessary HR permissions for your research at WAHT, please contact the Research & Development Dept., Weston General Hospital, Grange Road, Uphill, Weston super Mare, BS23 4TQ. Tel: 01934 881135.
If you are a WAHT employee planning to conduct research at another NHS site and you need to provide confirmation to the host site that the Trust has undertaken all the necessary pre-engagement checks, please contact the R&D Dept. in the first instance.
Timelines for common pre-engagement checks (should be used as a guide only)
Contact details for the HR Good Practice/ Research Passport Leads at other NHS organisations are available on Western CLRN's website.
For NHS organisations outside this region, please visit the relevant local CLRN website.