 Blog: why we include
Becky Purvis, Director of Policy and Partnerships at the HRA, has written a blog about how we’re making the research ethics review process more inclusive.
In the blog Becky reflects on how widening participation in research can help build the public’s trust and confidence in research and why this is a key part of our strategy.
 Working alongside the health and social care community
One of the things that makes the UK a great place to do health and social care research is the strong relationship between the NHS, regulators, charities and people on the ground doing research.
We’re a collaborative organisation and host forums for organisations and individuals in health and social care research to come together, or attend similar groups organised by our peers. Working in partnership in this way enables us to learn from other organisations, share expertise, challenge each other and make improvements that benefit everyone.
The organisations we engage with all offer a unique perspective on research and what their priorities are for change.
Over the past few weeks we have seen the publication of ABPI’s report on the value of industry clinical trials to the UK, Lord Darzi’s independent review of the NHS and AMRC’s briefing on embedding research in the UK.
Each of these publications has highlighted areas where health and social care research in the UK can be improved. Whether that’s prioritising research, making it easier to do research, or ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part in research.
As a regulator of health and social care research it is important for us to carefully consider the recommendations made in these publications and use them to inform our work.
We are in the early stages of developing our new strategy for 2025 to 2028 and listening to what our partners, industry and government are prioritising will play a key role in shaping our future plans.
It will also inform our work on upcoming Clinical Trials legislation, ensuring that we create the policy and guidance needed to help health and social care research in the UK thrive.
 Blog: AI and the HRA
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rapid rise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and it’s becoming more common place in health and social care.
With that in mind, our Chief Executive, Matt Westmore, has written a blog on how the HRA is also looking at where we might be able to use AI technologies to work more effectively and improve our services.
 Blog: supporting the CaSE public dialogue report
We contributed to the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE)'s recent report on it’s 'people’s vision for research and development' public dialogue project.
The project was held to gather views on how to build a stronger relationship between the public and research and it found that there is strong support for public involvement.
Barbara Molony-Oates, our Public Involvement Manager, and Nicola Gilzeane, our Engagement Manager, have written a joint blog about our involvement in the project and how the results reinforce the importance of work we’ve been doing to promote and encourage public involvement.
 #StepForward and join a Research Ethics Committee
We’re looking for doctors and pharmacists in the Midlands and the North to #StepForward and volunteer to join a Research Ethics Committee.
As a REC member you’ll meet virtually to review health and social care research proposals, making make sure the research is ethical and fair for the people taking part.
You’ll also learn new skills, gain insights into research ethics, develop professionally and personally, and receive regular training and support.
 Our Clinical trials update is a regular round-up of the latest news on work we’re doing to help make the UK a great place to do clinical trials.
In our most recent edition we look ahead to:
- our new public involvement guidance for clinical trials
- the future make up of Research Ethics Committees
- simplified means of seeking consent in lower risk trials
- changes to research transparency requirements in the upcoming clinical trials legislation
Later this week we’ll also be sharing an opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the MHRA on the changes coming as part of the clinical trials legislation and we'll respond to the World Health Organization’s new guidance on clinical trials.
Read the September edition and sign up to receive the newsletter.
News from across UK research
Below are some updates you may have missed about health and social care research in the UK:
|
