Training inc AP Toolkit

We’ve developed a Clinical and Health Research Competency Training Framework which outlines the knowledge and required training that is needed for each competency level. The below diagram offers a high level summary:

This summary roadmap shows the 5 competency levels and outlines the required level of knowledge and training needed for each level. The competencies are based not only on knowledge and experience but also the amount of time you are able to commit to research.

Competency levels and themes:        

There are 5 different competency levels starting from core up to expert. To move onto the next competency level all areas of the previous competency need to be completed. Below gives a summary of the learning outcomes and capabilities for each competency level:

1. Core

• Has an awareness of the specified skill details and knows where to go to find out more
• Is aware there is a research department and we are a research active NHS Trust
• Takes no active role in research
• Core-Level-Research-Competency-Training-Framework.docx [docx] 27KB

 

2. Beginner

• Increased knowledge of the 4 research themes
• Will actively verbally promote research opportunities
• Beginner-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 28KB

3. Intermediate

• Actively identifies patients for specific research study sign up
• Understands all aspects of the 4 research themes
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training required
• Intermediate-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 33KB

4. Advanced

• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Leads and conducts a research study at their site
• Has excellent working knowledge of all aspects of the research process
• PI training required
• Advanced-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 34KB

5. Expert

• Chief Investigator (CI)
• The overall lead researcher for a research project
• Has expert level knowledge of the whole research process
• Needs knowledge to complete application for funding for own research study 
• Receives approval for ethical and legal compliance
• Expert-Level-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 34KB

These flow charts break down each competency into their themes and skills and at a glance show what you need to know for each competency level:  Framework summary

If you'd like to view our full training framework for research please get in touch: WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net 

Multi-professional Advanced Practise Research Toolkit launch (February 2025)

Click here to access the Advanced Practise Research Toolkit:  ACP Research Pillar framework v3 updated 04.06.23_HWHCT_v4.docx [docx] 169KB

 

This Multi-professional Advanced Practice Research Toolkit , originally developed by Professor Kerry Gaskin (2023), brings together the requirements of the Multi-professional Practice-based Research Capabilities Framework (NHSE 2024 ) with the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (HEE 2017).

The AP Research Toolkit helps APs to 'get started' with the research pillar; to encourage them and their teams to think about their research priorities and help with research objective setting and aide appraisal discussions.

We have localised the Toolkit to include local research learning and development opportunities for APs, but the toolkit can be used by  anyone with an interest in developing their research skills. It is a living document so can be adapted in response to its users’ needs.

We are also developing a bespoke page within our R&D intranet as a home for the Toolkit and other resources and will be circulating to current APs across the Trust shortly. To find out more, watch Professor Gaskin’s overview. 

 

 

Looking for further information/training/support? 

Research Competency framework:

Why not take a look at our Research Competency training framework (click back a page from here). There are 5 different levels depending on your knowledge and experience. The middle level — intermediate — would be a good place to sense check your knowledge and then choose your level accordingly.

Within each level there is a training framework (plan) at varying depths of knowledge which covers:

• background to clinical and health research
• data management
• study set-up
• safety reporting

For ease the links to the intermediate level and competency sign-off sheet are included below:

Intermediate   Intermediate-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 33KB

Intermediate-Level-Competency-sign-off-sheet.docx [docx] 19KB

Intermediate level outcomes:

• Actively identifies patients for specific research study sign up
• Understands all aspects of the 5 research themes
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training required to be completed

Access free NIHR (National Institute for Health and care Research) training

A whole range of training can be accessed via NIHR Learn. You will need to set up a free account. GCP training can be accessed here.

Other training opportunities and funding

There's lots of other, sometimes chargeable, training available plus funding opportunities — (click back a page from here)

PI (Principal Investigator) Essentials virtual training

In-house PI Essentials training is run virtually in house by the R&D team. Although aimed at PI's it offers a great overview of the research process, where we 'fit in,' ethics, practical advise on running a research study etc. So if you are you are a new PI or someone who's interested in finding out more about this as well as the research process then this is for you. Please get in touch for further info or book onto the course here. Training lasts 2 hours and is run virtually via Teams. The next session is:

4.3.25: 9.30am – 11.30am

Research and Development annual virtual conference

This runs in October and is free and open to all. Experts in their field join us offering a fab insight. For further information visit our conference pages. 2025 dates will be announced soon.

 

Research and Development news

Keep up to date with national and local research news. Updated regularly.

 

And don't forget — the R&D Team are here to support you! Drop us an email: WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net 

In house training: 

Save the date! We're excited to share our sixth annual National Research and Development Conference dates: Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October 2026.

This is a virtual conference which will run via Teams. Everyone is welcome to join us with free tickets available to book from July. The link will be posted here. The agenda is now nearly finished - keep up to date here.

 

‘PI (Principal Investigator) Essentials’ virtual in-house training 

If you are you a new PI or someone who's interested in finding out more about leading a research project as well as the research process, then this is for you. Training lasts 2 hours and is run virtually via Teams. Sessions are generally run in Feb, March, June and September/October. Our last session was 3.6.26. We will share future dates here.

To register for the course you will need to open a NIHR Learn free account. This then gives you access to lots more free training. Any problems please email alice.madden1@nhs.net

Booking is made via the NIHR Learn website. You will need to register for a free account to sign-up to a course. Sign-up here and please get in touch with any queries.

 

Research Collaborators

We launched the Research Collaborator role (similar to a 'champion' role) in November 2022 and have since welcomed over 50 colleagues. Our aim was and continues to be to enable ANYONE who works in our Trust to get involved in research. Our Research Collaborators support the delivery of research across the Trust by promoting research opportunities to colleagues and the populations we serve so a HUGE thank you to them for all their work to date.

So, if you can give around an hour per month and want to: 

• learn something new
• build on skills and experience you may already have 
• take advantage of FREE training delivered in-house and via NIHR Learn (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
• share and keep people up to date with research opportunities
• meet a group of like-minded people
• keep up to date with research news and updates via our monthly virtual check-in/updates sessions...

...then we’d love to hear from you! We welcome new people at any time. Please email:  alice.madden1@nhs.net  for further information and check out our designated intranet pages. 

 

Staff and student Shadowing opportunities with the R&D Team 

We have developed a shadowing day to enable more people to gain access to a basic understanding of how NHS health research works and show the paths that can be taken to get more involved.

If you or anyone you know in your team is interested please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing us:  WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net

 

Getting to groups with becoming a researcher: Recording now available from the virtual lunch and learn which ran 28.1.26

Dr John Hodgson, National Lead Nurse (Learning Disabilities and Autism), joined us to to chat about his research career journey. He shared how he became a researcher in Learning Disabilities (LD) whilst navigating the different routes/opportunities. 

Everyone was welcome – not just LD colleagues. Thank you to those who joined us. If you'd like to listen back you can do so here: https://youtu.be/uCsapO8VQs8

We'll advertise future Lunch and Learns here and through Trust comms. For further information please email: alice.madden1@nhs.net 

 

National Online training: 

Virtual Research Learning lectures: hosted by the NIHR Associate PI Scheme

To find out more about upcoming events and book your place on any of the above lectures please click here. 

 

The Big Methods Exchange:

This is a virtual 8-part research methods webinar series that is hosted by early career researchers (ECRs) for ECRs working in mental health and addiction research. This series is organised by Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney, with seed funding from the NIHR Mental Health Research Incubator. All speakers are past members of Incubator programmes. Please see below for the sessions that are running soon. To register to attend please click here.

 Experience-based co-design and netnography (15 June 2026)
Creative participatory methods (29 June 2026)
Machine learning (13 July 2026)
Ethnography (27 July 2026)
Realist research methods (10 August 2026)
Causal inference (24 August 2026)

 

E-Training launched to build research skills

Two free e-learning modules designed to embed research skills across the entire health service have been launched by the NHS England and the NIHR. 

These self-paced modules are for staff not currently active in research but wishing to enhance their skills.

Available modules:-

• Awareness and foundation
• Supporting research participants

By building these skills, staff can contribute to a more innovative, research-active culture that directly benefits patients and the future of healthcare.
 
Find out more: What is Health Research?

 

NIHR Learn:

There's a range of online training opportunities via NIHR Learn. If you haven't used this before you will need to register and set up a free online account.

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Introduction: E6(R3): This NIHR Learn modular online training course gives an in depth understanding of how to safely run a research study within a NHS Trust. Once completed you receive a certificate. This accreditation needs to be renewed every 2 years. A shorter refresher training course is available to complete.
• Good Clinical Practise (GCP E6(R3) refresher training: This updated refresher training reflects the latest guidance and best practices, ensuring our research teams stay compliant and confident in applying Good Clinical Practice.

Why take the refresher?

• • Stay up to date with the revised ICH E6(R3) guidelines.
  • Reinforce your knowledge of proportionate approaches to training.
  • Support high-quality, ethical research across all studies.

Access the course via NIHR Learn or here: https://learn.nihr.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1575 

 

Regional training:

Becoming a Health and Care Research Investigator- practical solutions to grow your research career: in-person free event, Thursday 19.6.26, 9am-3.30pm, at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU

This event is for anyone in the West Midlands seeking to build a research career and aiming to become a Principal Investigator. It includes: keynote speaker, research insights, local support, networking and collaboration with colleagues with CPD points available.

Click here for further information and to book your free ticket.

 

The Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre (MHMTC) invites you to join the Midlands Mental Health Principal Investigator (PI) Development Network (funded by the NIHR)

Opportunity for members of this group to join a supported online Good Clinical Practise (GCP) training session on 7 July 2026, 12-4pm 

Usually self-led, this is a group run session where you will complete this NIHR* Learn course. You will gain 4 CPD credits and build confidence in delivering safe, ethical, high‑quality research.
GCP is the internationally agreed standard for running clinical research. It helps make sure participants are safe, treated well, and fully protected, while also ensuring the data collected is trustworthy and high‑quality.
There will be technical support, scheduled breaks, and space to discuss your progress throughout the afternoon. If you’re interested in joining the session please get in touch with us. 

 

West Midlands Regional Research Delivery Network (WM RRDN) 2026 virtual training sessions available:

Please note: you will need to create a NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) account. Then you can freely access the below and other online NIHR training.

• Informed Consent 10am - 12.30pm: The aim is to enable you to embed core principles of valid informed consent into daily practice and to provide a foundation upon which to build competence in the valid informed consent process in your own research setting.  The content covers the ethical and legislative frameworks that underpin the research consent process, along with the principles and responsibilities of consent in clinical research, best practice and insight into the added protection required for vulnerable groups. 
  • 8 October 2026       Sign Up here
• GCP Consolidation 10 am -12.30pm: This workshop is designed to consolidate the key learning from the Introduction to GCP e-learning. An interactive and engaging workshop, learners will complete activities and group discussions to build on their understanding of key components of GCP. Facilitators will use real-life examples to illustrate key points and aid learning. There is a shared focus on CTIMP (drug studies) and non-CTIMPs, as well research in wider care settings and the community
  • 13 October 2026         Sign Up here

 

Advancement of Research Skills

This is a free online research training and education programme, delivered through a series of workshops and seminars developed by the Midlands Partnership University Foundation Trust Research and Innovation department with academic partners at Keele University and the University of Worcester. FREE to all staff. Booking form and further information can be found here and STARS :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

 

National training, webinars, grants and qualification opportunities:  

Research Learning Lectures (NIHR)

The NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme is continuing to host the Research Learning Lectures; a series of lectures for anyone in Health and Social Care interested in learning more about research. For more information, please visit our Resource site and please register via the Eventbrite page here.

 

An introduction to Bayesian statistics for clinical research

Date & time: Wednesday 15 July, 1 - 2pm

Speaker: Michael Harhay (University of Pennsylvania: Perelman School of Medicine)

Chair: Bronwen Connolly (Queen’s University Belfast)

Suitable audience: General

 

CoReCCT as a research delivery concept in future (Title subject to change)

Date & time: Wednesday 30 July, 2 - 3pm

Speaker: Prof Ranjit Lall (University of Warwick) 

Chair: Holly Speight (NIHR Associate Principal Investigator Scheme Manager)

Suitable audience: General

 

Enhance Your Research Skills with the MSc in Health Research Methods at the University of Birmingham   

Taught by leading researchers with extensive experience in applied health studies, this programme equips you with essential skills in research design, statistics, qualitative methods, health economics, and critical evaluation. Ideal for clinical and allied health professionals, health and biomedical researchers, as well as those working in pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, this MSc offers practical tools to contribute to and lead meaningful research projects.  Learn more and apply.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme from RADiANT. 

RADiANT is a clinical and research network, hosted by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. The RADiANT network has 3 key aims: research, public education and staff development. It focuses on mental health and behavioural issues associated with five neuro-developmental conditions:

• Intellectual Disability
• Autism
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Epilepsy
• Brain Injury

It offers free virtual CPD training on the last Friday of every month, 1-3pm. 

Click here for their latest newsletter: RADiANT's Latest Quarterly Update and to visit their website: Welcome to RADiANT: an NHS Foundation Trust clinical and research network

If you are not on the RADiANT mailing list to receive invitations to these monthly sessions, please register by contacting v.chester@nhs.net or elizabeth.patteril@nhs.net 

 

ARCs (Applied Research Collaborations) webinars and lunch and learns: 

We'll share more dates as and when they come available.

This gives a great overview including further information about the research process: Chief Investigator Principle Investigator (CIPI) Tool (cipitool.co.uk) (excuse the mis-spelling of ‘Principal’ in the link…

 

The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

A framework of master’s level qualifications is being developed jointly by the NIHR and the AoMRC, led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to provide the necessary networks, skills and confidence needed for healthcare practitioners from any regulated profession to lead and support clinical research delivery.

It consists of two key elements:

Online modules - Flexible access to modules of high-quality interactive learning. These theoretical modules will develop knowledge and insight of the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research.

Research Practice Experiences (RPE) – Practical modules that enable learners to take part in clinical research in their area of interest, as part of existing research studies, whilst being supported under the supervision and mentorship of a senior researcher. This will develop their experience and expertise to grow future local research leadership capability within the NHS. For more information, visit here.

 

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings

This spreadsheet displays the results of a scoping review of local, regional, national and wider learning resources to support research engagement and delivery in the wider care and community setting non-NHS setting.

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings - Google Sheets

 

Funding opportunities:

Bursary applications for the Masters for Research Delivery Leadership are now open!

• What is the Masters for Research Delivery Leadership (MRDL)? The MRDL is a national framework of master’s-level qualifications designed to help experienced healthcare practitioners develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and support clinical research studies. Find out more about the Masters for Research Delivery Leadership

These flexible courses support health and care professionals to advance their research careers by gaining the qualifications and experience needed to step into leadership roles such as co-investigator and principal investigator. 

Registered health and care professionals can apply for up to 3 years of funding to complete a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters degree aligned with the MRDL.

• Who can apply? The bursaries are now open to all registered health and care professionals, including doctors, dentists and clinical research practitioners.
• Important information
  • Application deadline: 1st July 2026 (12:00pm)
  • Please note: You must have applied for a university course before applying for a bursary
  • For more info, see full eligibility criteria & learn how to apply: Visit the NIHR website
  • For more information please don’t hesitate to contact us at: MRDL@nihr.ac.uk
• Apply for the MRDL Bursary Today
• Alternative funding: If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but are still interested in undertaking one of these courses, or would like to explore other opportunities you can visit our other funding options page to see what other funding, or opportunities may be available. 

 

Midlands Mental Health (MMH) and Neurosciences PHD Programme for Healthcare Professionals

The Midlands hosts the most innovative centres in mental health and neurosciences (MH&N), including digital mental health, clinical trials, neuroimaging, and epidemiology, serving an area of huge clinical need.

The Midlands Mental Health & Neurosciences PhD Programme is led by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, and University of Warwick, and our local NHS Trusts in the Midlands.  Click here  to find out more.

‘From the Research Design Service (RDS) desk - literature searching essentials
A crucial part of any research funding application is conducting a thorough literature search of your topic area. This can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry – help is at hand!

The RDS has recently created a collection of literature-searching resources to support you.  June’s RDS blog  provides an overview on how each resource can help.’

 

Clinical Research Network West Midlands Health and Care Research Scholars (HS) and Personal Development Award programmes for 2024-2026.

These programmes are aimed at future Chief Investigators and Principal Investigators.

For more information on the programmes, timelines and to download the guidance document and application forms please visit our site here and view our flyer about the scholar scheme here. 

Complete this form and email it back to us so we can help you get started. Don’t forget to have a chat with your line manager and build research into your career development plan or your continuing professional development (CPD) conversations.

We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

What's 'portfolio' research?

Portfolio research is large-scale clinical research that has been adopted onto the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research portfolio. There are several large-scale portfolio studies currently running in the Trust in which our Clinical Research Practitioners can assist. If you've heard of a study you are interested in please contact us.

Where can I find out about non-portfolio research?

Get in touch with Sam Topping, Operational Lead for Research and Development, if you want to find out about non-portfolio research: samantha.topping1@nhs.net 

I need help formalising my research idea – where do I go?

Talk to your colleagues about your idea. You'll need to establish whether it's research, audit or an evaluation. If it is research you'll need to do a literature review to see if someone has already researched the area - the Health Librarians can help with this.

The National Institute for Health Research Design Service can then help you develop your idea and point you in the right direction to secure funding. Please also contact us for support with developing your research question.

How do I get funding for my research project?

There are funding streams and available awards available from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) there is also a specific funding stream aimed at clinicians. 

I'm doing a research project as part of my MSc or PhD - what do I do to get it approved?

First ensure your study is research and not an audit or evaluation. You will need external ethics approval for most research undertaken within the NHS. Go to the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) for more information. You then need to get local Trust approval from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust. Call or email Sam Topping for more information: samantha.topping1@nhs.net