Getting in Touch

Primary Care Research Network
East Midlands & South Yorkshire
Co-ordinating Centre
6th Floor, St John's House
30 East Street
Leicester LE1 6NB

E. judith.martin@emsy.nhs.uk
T. 0116 295 4080
F. 0116 295 4177

News > Funding opportunities

New funding for research in primary care

A new funding stream, called Flexibility and Sustainability Funding, was introduced in 2008.  It is allocated to research-active NHS organisations to attract, develop and retain high-quality research, clinical and support staff.  In primary care, it is being allocated through the Primary Care Research Networks.  In this financial year, our budget has increased from £76,000 to £93,000, and we plan to use it to support the following activities.

A priority for the network is to encourage practices to become trained and accredited to undertake studies that may be more complex than those they have experience of.  The main route is through the RCGP’s research ready (RR) scheme. Although accreditation is free, it involves significant preparatory work.  We are offering backfill for members of the practice to prepare; typically, this may involve a clinical and administrative member of staff each spending one day on this.

A number of courses are available from NIHR CRN; for example, one-day training on Good Clinical Practice in Research.  A full list can be found at www.ukcrn.org.uk.   We will offer cover (up to £500/day at usual rates) for GPs and staff to attend and/or take time out to become RR accredited.  Travel costs will not be covered and you will be asked to provide evidence of attendance.

However, as the name suggests, this funding can be used flexibly to meet its ends.  Please contact us if you feel you could use it to support delivery of portfolio research, either in general practice or elsewhere in primary care.  Contact judith.martin@emsy.nhs.uk for an application form, and louise.young@emsy.nhs.uk for further information.  Funding must be allocated by the end of the financial year, so please apply as soon as possible.

Local Incentivisation Scheme