Streamlining R&D Permissions in the Health Service
- description of national systems

Northern Ireland
A national system has been in place for some time, based on local review with standard systems using the same IT software. The current reorganisation of Health and Social Care Trusts will impact on research management arrangements and has precipitated the review of research support systems, including the case for centralisation.

Scotland
A central review system for multi-centre non-commercial research (NHS Research Scotland) has been developed.  A similar approach for commercial research is being piloted. The system separates out criteria reviewed once centrally to comply with NHS research governance standards, for which a generic reviewer is appointed, from criteria reviewed locally at each site. Please contact the administrator on 0141 232 1064 for further information.

England
A process for NIHR portfolio studies is being developed, called the NIHR Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (NIHR CSP), which will collate evidence of the approvals, agreements and resources for a study. This will integrate with the activities of Comprehensive Local Research Networks which will support and facilitate the local permission process. For further information please refer to NIHR CSP website.

Wales
A project to streamline the review and approval process for Wales has been initiated. Plans are well underway to establish a central RM&G office for primary care.  For secondary care, a baseline assessment and stakeholder consultation has been completed. Options are currently being assessed, with a view to consult on specific models in 2008.