The research and development department is responsible for all research involving patients, staff, equipment or premises in NHS Tower Hamlets.
We provide support for research in primary care and ensure that this is of a high quality and focused on improving patient care.
Our main aims are:
Our main responsibilities are set out below.
Partnership working and involving the public and patients in research
We have established links with universities, community groups and research networks. To ensure that our research is of benefit to the local community we are keen to involve the public and patients. Members of the community are currently involved in interviews with patients to find out more about their experiences. If you would like to become involved in our research please contact us.
Research management and governance
We are responsible for ensuring that all research carried out in Tower Hamlets conforms to appropriate governance and ethical standards. If you are a researcher and would like more information about our research governance procedures please download a copy of our research governance leaflet.
Human resources arrangements for researchers
If your research involves NHS Tower Hamlets 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 Human resources (HR) agreement before your research can begin.
The type of HR agreement you need will be assessed in accordance with the principles of the Research in the NHS: HR Good Practice Resource Pack (the resource pack) as part of the governance approval process at NHS Tower Hamlets. The resource pack describes streamlined arrangements, including the Research Passport System, for those wishing to conduct their research in the NHS. Researchers should 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. The Resource Pack sets out procedures to enable researchers to demonstrate that the pre-engagement checks undertaken on them have been carried out in line with NHS Employment Check Standards. It is your employers responsibility to ensure that checks meet the requirements of relevant safeguarding and health and safety legislation. The algorithm of research activity and pre-engagement checks provides guidance on the requirements in particular research situations. NHS host organisations should ensure that checks are commensurate with your research role, the type of research and their duty of care.
Where required, any new or additional pre-engagement checks should be arranged through your substantive employer. On occasion, however, it may be necessary for NHS Tower Hamlets to repeat specific checks and/or request that additional pre-engagement checks are undertaken. It is advisable therefore to contact our HR 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 NHS Tower Hamlets can only process your request once confirmation of the necessary pre-engagement checks has been provided through either the Research Passport form for university staff or through the NHS to NHS proforma confirmation of pre-engagement checks for NHS-employed staff.
For all questions/queries in relation to the procedure for obtaining a research passport/honorary contract or general queries in relation to pre-engagement checks please contact.
James Cottrell
Operations Manager
2nd Floor, Aneurin Bevan House
81 Commercial Road
London, E1 1RD
james.cottrell@THPCT.nhs.uk
020 7092 5619
Contact details for the HR Good Practice Leads at all higher education institutions in England are available on their local CLRN's website.
For staff employed by NHS Tower Hamlets who wish to conduct their research at another NHS site and require an NHS to NHS proforma confirmation of pre-engagement checks, please contact:
Joyce Webster
HR Adviser – Primary Care/Recruitment Manager
Alderney Building
Mile End Hospital
Bancroft Road
London E1 4DG
Joyce.webster@THPCT.nhs.uk
020 8223 8067
Contact us
For further information, please contact us.
