Research Governance

The Department of Health Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care first published in March 2001 and revised in 2005 gives guidance on good practice in the collaboration between researchers, health and social care teams and their employers and funders. The framework applies to all research that relates to the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Health. That is, research concerned with the protection and promotion of public health, research undertaken in or by the Department of Health, its non-Departmental Public Bodies and the NHS, and research undertaken by or within social care agencies.

Researchers must ensure that they undertake the design,conduct, analysis and reporting of research studies to the standards set out in the Research Governance Framework. Implementation of research governance to ensure safe systems of care when research is being undertaken is a core duty for all NHS organisations. 

This Research Governance Documentation and Information Guide provides a comprehensive summary of the current regulations, guidance and information relating to Research Governance, plus full reference details of how these documents can be accessed electronically. It should be useful to researchers and NHS R&D Managers & teams.