Applying to the Academy for Healthcare Science Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register for CRPs

What does Practitioner level / level 5 of the Skills for Health Career Framework mean?

CRPs working comfortably at practitioner level / level 5 of the Skills for Health Career Framework will be expected to have a comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within their field of work and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge. Please refer to the Scope of Practice for CRPs for further information about the scope of practice. 

CRPs working at practitioner level as described above will be using their knowledge and professional judgement to solve problems proactively, making decisions for which they will be accountable, and actively contribute to the service they work in. They will also proactively seek self-development.

The research delivery activities undertaken by a CRP working at practitioner level will often be self-directed and are likely to include some or all of the tasks listed below: 

• Seeking ongoing informed consent as a voluntary agreement with research study participants, ensuring their understanding of the research and its risks

• Identification, screening and randomisation of research study participants 

• Involvement in clinical research operations, development, regulation and ethics processes

• Proactively engaging with colleagues in relation to research study design and implementation and evaluation 

• Proactively ensuring high quality data input at source and its management through a research workflow 

• Contributing to the appraisal of evidence gathered in the context of delivering a research study 

• Contributing to the reporting and dissemination of research study results 

• Proactively communicating across boundaries to maintain relationships that secure investment in research across all clinical specialties and care settings 

The Standards of Proficiency for CRPs set out the minimum standard a CRP must meet to apply to the AHCS PSA Accredited Register for CRPs and maintain their registration. Some of the key standards of proficiency required are listed below. Please refer to the Standards of Proficiency for CRPs for information about all 16 standards in detail. Overall, a Registered CRP will:

• Reflect critically and continuously on performance or situations and actively seek feedback from colleagues and research study participants, adapting practice as required to meet the diverse needs of research study participants 

• Communicate effectively with research study participants, their relatives and carers and colleagues 

• Contribute to planning and monitor/review the ongoing effectiveness, modifying as and when necessary in a changing environment, identifying and managing sources of risk in the workplace 

• Lead confidently across networks and have a deep understanding of the research delivery system and research being part of core business in health and social care

• Demonstrate credibility, confidence and resilience, and the ability to lead in times of rapid change, actively participating in activities to promote the CRP profession and its contribution to research 

It will normally take one to two years of working in a CRP role to reach a practitioner level and standard of practice. CRPs applying to join the AHCS PSA Accredited Register for CRPs are expected to have been working at this level of responsibility for at least one year.

Need more detailed guidance for you and/or your manager about the process?

If you would like to speak to someone in your region, please contact one of the  CRP Engagement Leads. 

Comprehensive guidance for both applicants and line managers is available on the AHCS website.  

The CRP Learning and Development Framework provides resources to support currently unregistered and AHCS-registered CRPs seeking to develop. It also includes resources for line managers and senior managers within employing organisations who are supporting CRP development to create a confident, professional CRP workforce.

Access the CRP Learning and Development Framework on NIHR Learn.