NCA’s Centre for Clinical and Care Research (CCR) has launched a new Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research Champion Scheme.
It provides an exciting opportunity for nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, healthcare scientists and other regulated health and care professionals (excluding doctors and dentists) to support and promote research within their clinical groups and services. Research Champions will play a key role in helping to build a strong research culture across the organisation.
If you would like to be involved, complete the expression of interest form using the QR code or link provided at the bottom of this article.
What is a Research Champion and what does the role involve?
- A Research Champion is an NMAHP role model who promotes and embeds research within their clinical service unit and clinical group.
- Research Champions inspire and encourage colleagues to improve patient care through research.
- You will work closely with the CCR, acting as the link between frontline services and wider research teams.
- The role involves signposting colleagues to advice from the CCR or other research and development resources as appropriate.
- It also involves championing the roll out of the Self-Assessment of Organisational Readiness Tool (SORT). This assesses the readiness of an organisation to support clinicians to undertake research related activity and can help identify where structures and processes may need to change. This will support senior management to build research capacity across the NMAHP workforce.
- Research Champions will be selected to ensure every Clinical Leadership Model (CLM) group has a voice in shaping an inclusive, research-active culture.
- You will support the NCA’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, widening access to research and helping reduce health inequalities.
What are the benefits of becoming a Research Champion?
- NCA Research Champions will be part of local and national initiatives, helping to increase visibility and supporting career aspirations.
- There will be opportunities to enhance professional networks and gain research contacts to support future career ambitions.
- You will obtain knowledge of development opportunities and gain useful skills that can be applied to future career opportunities.
- You will contribute to improving patient care by supporting evidence-based practice.
What support will Research Champions get?
- An induction session to introduce you to the role, raise awareness of national funding bodies and research infrastructures, and research taking place within the Trust.
- Development and support from the CCR team, with ongoing opportunities for professional and research development, such as access to e-learning modules and CCR training, and support from CCR fellows.
- Recognition of your Research Champion role from the NCA (certificate of attendance following induction) and your line manager.
- Peer support through membership of the NCA Research Champion Network, a peer learning community.
- The chance to help shape the future of research across the NCA.
What is the time commitment?
- The Research Champion role is voluntary and is built into your existing clinical role. This must be agreed with your line manager.
- The time commitment equates to roughly half a day per month, agreed with your line manager.
- There is meeting for all Research Champions every two months.
- Sign posting to research and development resources.
- Access to dedicated research training for those wishing to pursue a research opportunity. Additional time may need to be negotiated with your manager.
How do I become a Research Champion?
To discuss the role or ask any questions, contact the CCR: ccr@nca.nhs.uk
To express your interest in the role, please complete the expression of interest form through this link or the QR code below. You must have your line manager’s approval before submission.
