R&D Managers meeting

Terms of reference

1. Role

The Research and Development (R&D) Management Group is a forum of CRN South West Peninsula (SWP) Partners, constituted R&D Managers/delegates and CRN Management responsible for the Study Support Service (SSS). Its role is to provide operational as well as strategic oversight, support and advice regarding R&D Business to the CRN: SWP Executive via the CRN: SWP Operational Management Group to ensure activities and initiatives in relation to research management, SSS, and research governance support all CRN partners to achieve NIHR objectives and non NIHR objectives, drive improvements and raise the ambitions for clinical research across all CRN Partners. The group will be asked to consider and take decisions on issues relating to research management, SSS, governance, and other clinical network initiatives which support research delivery. The group will advise on and support the embedding of new processes and ways of working as agreed at the meetings.

2. Membership

Membership of the group is open to all R&D Managers or their deputies from CRN: SWP partner organisations that provide research management, study support and a governance service funded by the CRN and CRN core staff as appropriate. The group will be chaired by an R&D Manager from one of the Partner R&D organisations (POs) chosen by the group on a 6 monthly basis.

3. Terms of Reference

● To provide strategic oversight on R&D business 

● To share and resolve operational difficulties, efficient ways of working and good practice in  research management, SSS and governance

● To provide active direction to CRN: SWP on  NIHR related activities including research management, SSS and research governance services, in line with national initiatives and local implementation

● To be actively involved in providing support and advice for the implementation of the CRN initiatives and high level objectives across the research pathway to all staff within SWP POs 

4. Meeting Administration

● Administrative support for this group will be provided by the CRN SWP

● The agenda will be set by the Chair in consultation with group members

● Agenda and papers will be circulated five working days in advance of the meeting

● Meetings will be held 10 times a year, with 2 joint meetings with the Lead Research Nurses (Practitioners)

● Quorum will be representatives from at least 4 partner organisations and the CRN SWP Deputy COO or other delegated CRN staff member