Research and Development : Defining research team roles

Within our organisation, there is a team of dedicated research staff who help doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide research as part of patient care.

As a participant, your clinical research practitioner or research nurse will support you throughout your journey who are ready to answer your questions, schedule appointments, and ensure you feel at ease.

The Research team play a critical role in facilitating the growth of research activity, building capacity and developing skills both within our organisations and across the wider health system. We have responsibility for sponsoring research; the safe, ethical and legal involvement of participants; the quality and efficiency of research activity; the integrity of research data and the transfer of research information for knowledge

The Principal Investigator (PI), who oversees the study, ensures your safety and that the research meets rigorous standards. Together, the research team, which includes professionals like speech therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and more, works to provide you with a seamless and supportive experience.

The Research Governance Team ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are maintained throughout the duration of studies; studies are managed time to target in accordance with study protocols, and national and international legislation and guidance.

The team assess the Trust's ability to take part in an individual research project and provide support for all aspects of research across the Trust.

The Head of Research and Development maintains oversight of research management and governance for research hosted at the Trust. They lead the development of the Research strategy which supports, drive and embeds research into clinical care. The strategy ensures that the clinical teams develop different recruitment strategies for the involvement of patients, ensuring inclusive patient centred research takes place. 

The Head of Department leads the strategic direction of research at Berkshire Healthcare. By collaborating with the Governance team, the wider Research team, and other key members, they ensure studies are of the highest quality and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.