The ‘UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research’ (Health Research Authority 2017) states: “Research is a core function of health and social care. It is essential for our health and wellbeing and for the care we receive”.

At the same time, research can involve an element of risk, both in terms of return on investment and sometimes for the safety and wellbeing of the research participants.

Proper governance of research is essential to ensure that the public can have confidence in, and benefit from, quality research in health and social care. The public has a right to expect high scientific, ethical and financial standards, transparent decision making processes, clear allocation of responsibilities and robust monitoring arrangements.

We want to make sure that social care and public health research within Shropshire Council is of good quality, ethical and useful.

Our research governance process helps us to do this and makes sure that people carrying out research take all reasonable steps to protect the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of the service users, families, carers and staff involved in the study.

You can find out more within the attached document on the right hand side including more information on the types of research projects and when research governance approval is required.

The guide includes links to further information and the research governance application form.

If you have any questions please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk and your enquiry with be directed appropriately.