Research and governance

What is research governance?

This section is for staff or external researchers who want to undertake social care research in Derbyshire.

It includes guidance on the how we are implementing the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework, for those who want to undertake research or consultation with social services clients or staff.

Please use the following links to find out more information about:

What does the Research Governance Framework aim to do?

It aims include improving the quality of research by making sure that:

the research methodology is sound
it is ethical.

What approval do I need to undertake research involving the Social Care Department?

If you want to do any research, consultations or hold focus groups involving any individual/s from the list below, you will need approval from the Derbyshire Social Care Research Advisory Panel (RAP) before your research can start:

Social Care clients
clients with contracted services through other agencies e.g. through residential care homes, domiciliary services, day centres
clients of groups funded by Social Care such as day centres, luncheon clubs, etc
Social Care staff
carers of clients

The same approval process applies if you are a council employee or an external researcher you must not start any research or consultation involving clients or staff without this approval.

If your research involves clients or staff of four or more social services departments in England and Wales, you will need to apply to the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) for approval, before applying to us.

If your research is be undertaken in a health setting, or is focusing on patients, you may also need Health Research Governance approval as well, or instead of, the other approvals above.

Where do I go for help?

If you want advice on, if you need to apply, or advice on your application use the following link Research Contacts