Purpose of this framework
This framework provides guidance for GPs who deliver, or wish to develop the capability to deliver, care that extends beyond the core expectations of general practice. It is relevant to those with established experience and skills in clinical research delivery, as well as those seeking to develop these. Some GPs may already hold a special interest in research delivery, have developed expertise prior to entering general practice, or have incorporated research delivery into their professional portfolio. Others may wish to broaden their career, expand their portfolio, or provide research delivery expertise as part of an additional service.
The GPwER in research delivery (GPwER RD) is an under-recognised role. There are many GP Principal Investigators who provide research delivery services within their organisations but the GPwER involves a greater level of expertise to support research delivery locally, regionally and nationally. Hence the need for this framework.
Several variations of this role exist, and any key differences between roles will be described in the relevant section. Therefore, this framework does not seek to establish a rigid uniform model, rather it offers guidance around the scope of the role and good practice in such a way that we hope is practically helpful and universally relevant.
Glossary
Throughout this framework initials and acronyms of organisations and roles will be found in multiple places. This glossary lists all these to help you navigate the framework easily.
- GPwER RD: GP with Extended Role in research delivery
- API: Associate Principal Investigator
- CNSGP: Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice
- GCP: Good Clinical Practice
- MHRA: Medicines and Healthcare products Research Authority
- NIHR: National Institute for Health and Care Research
- NIHR RDN: National NIHR Research Delivery Network
- NIHR SPCR: National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research
- PIC: Patient Identification Centre
- RRDN: Regional Research Delivery Network
- SAPC: Society for Academic Primary Care
Acknowledgements
- Dr Nick Thomas, RCGP clinical lead for research
- Dr Rupert Payne, Co-Chair, Society for Academic Primary Care
- Dr Alex Copping, GP
- Dr David Shukla, Clinical Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
- Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Vice Chair External Affairs, RCGP (at time of publication)
- Professor Joanne Reeve, Co-investigator Professor of Primary Care Research, Hull York Medical School
- Dr Simon Royal, National Institute for Health and Care Research, National Specialty Lead for Primary Care
- Dr Lisa Gibbons, Primary Care Research Lead for the South West, NIHR.
Declarations of interests by authors
- Dr Nick Thomas: Clinical Lead for Research RCGP, GP Principal Windrush Medical Practice, Witney, Oxfordshire Health and Care Co-Director (Medical), NIHR South Central Regional Research Delivery Network
Framework review
Date the framework was approved: November 2025
Date for next review: November 2028