  New guidance for the set-up of NHS studies involving ionising radiation
New guidance for the set-up of NHS studies involving ionising radiation and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations (IRMER) has been published this week.
The UK Clinical Research Delivery (UKCRD) programme, which is helping create a faster, more efficient, more accessible and more innovative clinical research delivery system, identified inconsistencies which the new guidance addresses.
It provides clarification on the interpretation of IR(ME)R, approval processes, and legislation, and should make study set-up and research delivery easier.
 Changes to non-CTIMPs to align with clinical trials regulations
Amended clinical trials regulations come into force for clinical trials involving medicines (CTIMPs) on 28 April 2026.
We’re making changes to how other types of health and social research (non-CTIMPs) are processed and managed to align with the updated regulations. Consistency across all UK clinical research will streamline the regulatory process, and make it simpler for sponsors and researchers to earn approvals.
We’ve published new guidance about the changes.
You can also read our separate clinical trials regulations guidance (for CTIMPs) on the HRA website.
We’re encouraging sponsors and researchers to start preparing for the changes and to update their policies, processes and procedures ahead of the implementation date.
  Jonathan Fennelly-Barnwell appointed Interim Director of Approvals
Jonathan Fennelly-Barnwell has been appointed as our Interim Director of Approvals on a fixed-term basis until October 2026. This follows Janet Messer’s departure earlier this month to take up a senior role at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
Jonathan was previously the Deputy Director of the Approvals service, and has significant experience in research ethics and operations. He has worked at the HRA since 2011 and will maintain continuity in leadership during a busy and exciting year for the HRA.
 Meet our new Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) Chair and Vice Chair
Last Autumn, we appointed Professor Lorna Fraser as Chair and Dan Roulstone as Vice Chair of the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG).
Lorna, Professor of Palliative Care and Child Heath at Kings College London, has been a member of CAG for 10 years. Dan has been a member for 5 years and is a management consultant who has held senior policy, strategy and corporate service roles within the public sector.
In their blog they talk about how their experience as CAG members has prepared them for their new role on the Chair team, their hopes for the future and why the work of the group is so important.
 Our response to the NIHR report on the Infected Blood Inquiry
The report of a workshop informed by the Infected Blood Inquiry has been published this week.
The Inquiry, which reported in 2024, found that over the course of decades, 30,000 adults and children across the UK who were treated by the NHS with blood and blood products had been infected with viruses. Medical research was one of the areas examined in the Inquiry.
Our Chief Executive Matt Westmore attended the workshop, and reflects on further actions to take to make sure this sort of scandal could not happen again.
 Join workshops to help us develop a formal agreement for public contributors at the HRA
We're looking for members of the public to join 2 workshops to help develop a formal agreement that will be made between the HRA and public contributors at the start of their involvement with us.
We want to make sure everyone is treated fairly, consistently and is confident in what is expected from them, as well as how we will resolve any issues when they are involved in our work.
The online workshops will take place on Thursday 26 February and Thursday 19 March. The deadline for registering is Monday 2 February.
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