Advancing Healthcare Awards 2023

Sarah Taylor, Research Manager for Complex Pathways, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit 

I have worked in various roles in cancer clinical trials for over 10 years and started as a CRP in 2015.  I began taking on managerial and leadership responsibilities when I was promoted to a Senior CRP and Team Lead in 2017.  These grew when I transitioned into a Research Manager role last summer.  In my current role, I have responsibility for several teams with complex treatment pathways, including Cellular Therapies (CAR T and solid tumour cell therapy), Paediatric, Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) cancers and Proton Beam Therapy.  Since the inception of the Research Manager role last year, I established a new pathway for phase II oncology basket studies, with a dedicated PI, research team and clinic.  Historically basket studies have been very difficult to run with our current tumour-specific clinic model, so this new standalone clinic will open-up valuable treatment options for patients with many different cancer types. 

In addition to new teams and pathways, I have been involved in the creation and development of new roles within my research team.  A Senior Research Radiographer post was implemented when we opened our Proton Beam Therapy service at UCLH, to lead a growing number of trials where PBT is part of the research question. More recently, I instated the Trust’s first Research Advanced Nurse Practitioner role, in the Paeds/TYA team, providing specialist clinical support to this unique group of patients, with complex holistic care needs.

I’m incredibly passionate about the CRP role and for the last couple of years I have been leading on a drive to promote the CRP accredited register across the Trust, by hosting workshops and drop-in sessions, and supporting CRPs with their applications.  I work alongside two other Research Managers in my department, who both have nursing backgrounds, so I’m privileged to be in a position where I can fly the flag for the CRP role and ensure that it is always at the forefront of any training and development initiatives, and policy changes.

My nomination for the CRP Leadership Award at the Advancing Healthcare Awards detailed my leadership experience, as well as project work, such as the implementation of an exciting pilot study of a semi-automated EHR2EDC tool, which has the potential to revolutionise data entry at a site level.  Recently, I was lucky enough to present the results of the project at the Oncology Professional Care Conference 2023.

As CRPs, I think we’ve all felt like outliers in the NHS workforce at some point in our career, so to have the role celebrated at a national awards ceremony was incredibly special.  It shows how influential the CRP accredited register is, in gaining national recognition for the role. 

It was a huge honour to win the award and celebrate alongside so many brilliant AHPs.  I have the award proudly on display in my office and it brings a smile on even the most stressful days.  Never one to miss an opportunity to promote the CRP accredited register, I have used my 15 minutes of fame to spread the message about the CRP accredited register even further. 

Milly Brittain, Project Administrator - Academy for Healthcare Science 

This was my second time attending the award ceremony and it was as fun and enjoyable as the first time. I knew the structure of the day would be as great as the first with helpful event organisers. The Academy award for CRPs focused on leadership again with several strong applications.

The day started with a meet and greet type of event, seeing a room packed with individuals from different Healthcare Science professions was nice to see and witness their professions grow. The Clinical Research Practitioner profession has grown massively over the last few years and this has been notable with the applications to the Register.

Followed on with a three-course meal which was lovely, the staff outdid themselves. Then came the speeches from various individuals from the Healthcare Science profession, this was very inspiring and eye opening into the daily lives of outstanding individuals who attended and didn’t attend the event.

Deirdre Brooking, an inspiring member of her profession, presented the CRP award, giving thanks to the brilliant nominees and finalists. Sarah Taylor who works at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was this year's winner. Sarah is a key leader as through the pandemic she acted as a research manager providing leadership and reassurance and was appointed Research Manager for Complex Pathways in 2022.

Congratulations to Sarah and the finalists Georgia and Caroline!

Take a look at all the winners of the awards, including the CRP award on page 8.

The role of the Clinical Research Practitioner - posters

We are pleased to be able to share with you two posters that we could not quite fit into the recent CRP national conference! 

Ivanna Baker, Rachel Evans and Ruth Johns from West Midlands put together a poster as Rachel had found that there was a lack of understanding of the CRP role in some areas.  They used the poster to promote the skillset and credibility of the CRP, which allows a multidisciplinary approach that mirrors clinical practice in hospitals. 

The poster and abstract designed by Maxine Berry (Project Support Manager and Registered Clinical Research Practitioner), Jessica Brock (Associate Clinical Research Practitioner, Registered Clinical Research Practitioner) and Mary-Claude Perrin (Lead Nurse for Research) is about the knowledge review of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust R&I staff regarding the role of the CRP, since the trust has only just introduced this role.  Jessica Brock, Engagement Lead was one of the first three.    Their poster was also submitted for the Leeds Research and Innovation Trust Wide Conference.  

CPD Opportunities 

Develop courageous leadership

NIHR Academy Members or NIHR Leaders responsible for managing a team can develop leadership skills and discover approaches that no longer serve them at an interactive workshop on 22 June from 1-4 pm. Registrations close on 2 June. Find out more.

Learn how to collaborate effectively

Discover how to collaborate effectively across the health and social care system at a webinar on 20 June. Attend to learn how to engage people and build trust even when you don't always work face-to-face. Find out more.

New NIHR Learn Insights (CPD) resource is now available 

The latest NIHR Learn Insights is now available.  In this instalment we take the opportunity to reflect back on our last 12 months of professional development and how we can identify our personal goals for the year ahead.  Please share with your networks/teams as appropriate. Contact nihrlearncommunities@nihr.ac.uk  for more information.