Research Ready is an online
self-accreditation tool covering the minimum requirements
of the Research Governance Framework for undertaking
primary care research in the UK. Developed in conjunction with the
NIHR Clinical Research Network and the Primary Care Research
Networks, it is aligned with the Research Governance Framework.
The names of accredited practices are listed on
the RCGP website. Your local Primary Care Research Network
office will also be informed of your interest in research and the
database is also available for viewing by the Medical Research
Council and Universities.
Background
The RCGP, with experience gained
from running Primary Care Research Team Assessment (PCRTA), was
asked to develop by Sally Davies, then Director of R & D for
the NHS, a new level suitable for any practice currently taking
part in research.
This work tied in with the launch
of the new national health research strategy, Best Research for
Best Health, in which the Department of Health set out a clear
pathway to revitalise research in the NHS including the creation of
the Clinical Research Network.
Benefits:
- Enables practices to reflect on their ability and capacity to
conduct high quality research.
- Provides a means for chief investigators, study teams, MHRA
inspection teams or inspectors and Research Management &
Governance staff to be satisfied that any practice accredited to
Research Ready level is up-to-date and compliant with the
standards.
- Can be used as evidence for the research domain in your
appraisal.
- Aware of how it can minimise any potential risks for the
practice, practice staff and study participants
- Reaccreditation ensures that practices are up-to-date with
constantly changing
research governance and that their details remain accurate
- The Research Ready file provides a useful reference for the
research team
and, also for the induction and training of new staff in the
practice who will be
participating in its research activities.
- The opportunity to be involved in a wider range of research
studies
Click here for a copy of the Flier
Eligibility
For practices that are already research active, this is a useful
tool to ensure that all the essential areas are being met and all
staff are aware of their responsibilities. Practices that are not
yet active will find this a formative process providing them with
the means to take part in research in a safe and effective manner.
We strongly encourage practices to make links with their local
PCRN.
Process
Practices are required to first
complete initial
registration. Practices will then be sent login details to
complete the assessment. Practices must be able to answer
‘yes’ to all the questions in the assessment and enter information
on their practice demographics and research
interests. Practices may or may not choose to be
accredited for undertaking Clinical Trials.
From October 2011, the accreditation
costs a one-off charge of £150 for a 3-year period of
accreditation.
Main survey
List of accredited
practices 
Reaccreditation
Practices are required to renew
their accreditation after 3 years. The process is
straightforward; please check through the original details
submitted, change the Clinical Trials status if applicable and
enter information on research undertaken during the year. We will
provide a reminder to individual practices one month before their
accreditation is due to expire.
Reaccreditation of Practice
Nominations
Research active organisations and
employees/members of an University, NIHR Research Network or, the
Medical Research Council can nominate practices for RCGP Research
Ready status based on their research performance and
experience.
The process is quite simple. If you
are satisfied that your nominated practice meets the criteria.
Nominate a Practice
You will be required to complete
details about your organisation and then some details on the
practice. However, many of the fields have been left optional if
you would prefer the practice to complete them. They will then be
sent login details to complete the accreditation assessment.
pcrta@rcgp.org.uk
020 3188 7597