The Research Passport
The Research Passport is a streamlined system
for issuing honorary research contracts to
researchers who do not have a contractual relationship with the
NHS.
Before the Research Passport was introduced,
researchers working across multiple NHS sites often needed to get a
new contract from each host organisation. Each
contract required several pre-engagement checks, for example
occupational health checks. The Research Passport saves valuable
time and resources and speeds study start-up times by
relying on existing pre-engagement checks and
assurances from substantial employers.
The Passport benefits researchers, NHS
organisations and Universities because it:
- Promotes the consistent use of honorary
research contracts by the NHS
- Provides clear guidance on their use
- Provides a streamlined standard system to
apply for the contracts
- Avoids repeat checks for each contract
- Clarifies responsibilities of NHS hosts and
Higher Education Institution employers
The Research Passport can be accessed online,
and forms part of the Research
in the NHS - Human Resource (HR) Good Practice Resource
Pack. This pack describes the Research Passport and
other standardised procedures for handling the HR arrangements for
researchers.
UK-wide roll-out of the Research Passport is
now underway. UKCRC Board members have agreed a
statement of endorsement recommending routine use of the
Research Passport system.
For advice on use of the
Research Passport, please see the relevant lead organisation and
contact for each UK nation:
Further information and Resources on the
Research Passport