Conducting Research in Adult Social Care

We encourage Adult Social Care based research in Adult & Community Services. All such research is now governed by the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework (RGF).

What is Research Governance?

The Department of Health has produced the Research Governance Framework to ensure that the quality of research within the adult social care environment can be assured and the rights of those involved can be protected.

Why is Research Governance Necessary?

There is a need to have clearly laid out rules for good quality research. Setting up a system to record, assess and monitor research ensures social care departments are aware of what research is being undertaken and:

• prevents unnecessary replication of research and certain groups of service users or staff from being over consulted;
• ensures the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of researchers and participants are protected;
• safeguards the researcher's integrity;
• makes it possible to check that the work being carried out is sound and;
• takes full responsibility for how research is carried out.

How is 'Research' defined?

If your project involves 'the systematic collection of data using explicit research methods and techniques', (where information is collected from or about individuals who may be service users, their relatives and friends or employees of Adult & Community Services) then you are required to work under these requirements. See the 'Introduction to Research Governance' document below for more detail.

How do I seek approval under the RGF?

If your research project falls under the above definition you will need to seek approval for your research. This process will involve:

1. Download the application form (under 'related downloads'), complete and email or post back to us.   
2. On receipt of the completed form, your application will be submitted to the relevant Permanent Research Panel (PRP) for approval (please refer to the Risk Assessment Questions document in Related Downloads.  This panel consists of the Departmental Management Team (DMT) for Adult & Community Services. Low risk research applications may be fast tracked for approval.
3. Once approved you will be notified and your research project details will be recorded in line with the RGF requirements.
4. The results of your research may also be made available to the public domain.