Sources of further information

Researchers must be fully aware of the requirements of The Research Governance Framework and will find the following documents and resources invaluable:

Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care Department of Health 2005 

Social Services Research Group Research Governance Framework: Resource Pack Department of Health Research Governance in Social Care Advisory Group  April 2005   http://www.ssrg.org.uk/governance/index.asp  

Social Care Research Ethics Committee (SCREC)

SREC was set up at the request of the Department of Health to review adult social care research proposals.  The aim of the Committee is not to take over from existing Research Ethics Committees, but to provide a complementary service.  www.scie.org.uk/networks/screc

Social Services Research Group

An independent network of individuals who provide a range of research information, planning and evaluation in social care and health services. SSRG members are drawn from a wide range of professional groups and organisations sharing a common interest in the work of the caring services.  http://www.ssrg.org.uk

UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO)

An independent body offering advice and guidance to universities and other research organisations, and also to individual researchers, about the conduct of research. In October 2009 UKRIO published a Code of Practice for Research: Promoting good practice and preventing misconduct. The Code provides principles and standards for researchers and research organisations and also includes a Recommended Checklist for Researchers: a one-page, non-technical checklist for the key points of good practice in research, based upon the more detailed standards provided by the Code.  http://www.ukrio.org.uk/home

INVOLVE

A National Advisory Group, funded by the Department of Health, which aims to promote and support active public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. http://www.invo.org.uk