CSP098: Local Specialty Research Lead Induction Checklist

This document is intended as an aide-memoire for Local Specialty Research Leads (LSRLs) and Research Delivery Managers (RDMs) to support the induction process for LSRLs. It is suggested that the content of the document is created and could be used as a check list.

• Introduction with LCRN Clinical Director (CD), Deputy Clinical Director (DCD). This may be in person and/or introductory video

• Set up a NIHR account if not already registered

• Handover meeting to be arranged with outgoing LSRL (where possible/appropriate)

• Inform CRN CC of new appointment (email lcrn.support@nihr.ac.uk and crnfinance@nihr.ac.uk)

• LSRL and RDM arrange to meet

• Items to be covered in LSRL/RDM meeting:

• Discussion around LSRL and RDM roles and how they interact, link and support one another

• Discussion around the High Level Objectives (HLOs), other key objectives and goals for the National Specialty Group (NSG) and LCRN annual planning

• Brief introduction to national stakeholders (National Specialty Lead (NSL) and national team)

• Brief introduction to regional stakeholders (local Chief Investigators (CIs), Principal Investigators (PIs) and other key contacts

• Overview of NIHR portfolio studies (Commercial and Non commercial and the role of LSRLs for Lead LCRN studies needing additional support/monitoring - Escalation process for study issues 

• Has the LSRL received/completed a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA)?

• What support is available to LSRLs within the LCRN core team e.g. Administration, Study Support Service, Communications, Business Intelligence, Workforce, Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (including PRES)

• Overview of any national, regional or specialty specific work programmes in place with LSRL, will feed into and support/advise on

• National and regional meetings; frequency, attendance, use of deputies etc

• NSG meetings (National Specialty Group)

• Local Specialty Group (SG) meetings

• LSRL meetings within the LCRN

• Others

• Discussion around mentoring support - what is needed and how can it be provided

• LSRL to have a discussion with Business Intelligence team (BI) regarding available support and training on core CRN systems:

• Open Data Platform (ODP)

• Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS)

• Local Portfolio Management System (LPMS)

• Google NIHR Hub

• Other systems

• LSRL to login to NIHR Learn to access key learning and development opportunities

• Discuss Specialty key aims and objectives and key learning and development needs with RDM, prior to meeting with LCRN CD/DCD

• LSRL to arrange mentoring discussion with mentor to agree areas for support

• Meet with LCRN CD/DCD to discuss aims and objectives, and any identified needs

• LSRL to make connections with relevant local R&D departments to aid NIHR Portfolio management

• RDM to introduce LSRL to LCRN Senior Management/Leadership team

• LSRL to have introductory meeting with the National Specialty Lead/Head of Cluster

• Prepare for annual review in discussion with RDM. This may include:

• Key achievement over the last year

• Strengths of the specialty group

• Factors limiting specialty performance

• What resources/training would be helpful

• Priority activities for the forthcoming year

CDA: Confidential Disclosure Agreement

CPMS: Central Portfolio Management System

CRN: Clinical Research Network

CI: Chief Investigator

PI: Principal Investigator

HLO: High Level Objective

LCRN CD: Local Clinical Research Network Clinical Director

LCRN DCD: Local Clinical Research Network Deputy Clinical Director

LPMS: Local Portfolio Management System 

LSRL: Local Specialty Research Lead

NSG: National Specialty Group

NSL: National Specialty Lead

ODP: Open Data Platform

PRES: Participant in Research Experience Survey

RDM: Research Delivery Manager

SG: Specialty Group

Version: 2.1 

Effective From: August 2023 

Tracy Harman

Head of Medical Directorate

tracy.harman@nihr.ac.uk