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Post date: 20th April 2023
Introduction
Introduction
The National Institute for Health Research, Clinical Research Networks (NIHR CRN) North West Coast (NWC) and Greater Manchester (GM) in partnership with NHS R&D NW, are pleased to announce the recruitment to cohort 4 of the Early Career Researcher Development Programme (ECRDP).
This programme supports the Health Education England (HEE) (NHS England Workforce, Training and Education) Research & Innovation (R&I) strategy which emphasises the need to develop educational strategies to ensure future professional staff are technologically literate and able to promote the adoption and spread of research and innovation, particularly in respect of long-term conditions and their prevention. It also recognises that a research active workforce leads to research active health care organisations, which we know have better patient outcomes.
A strategic goal of the NIHR local CRNs NWC & GM is to increase the opportunity to participate in high quality clinical research across all health and care settings and across the population of the combined regions through the development of research capability and capacity in the health and care workforce.
By funding this Early Career Researcher Development Pathway Programme for health and social care professionals we aim to develop the researchers of the future who will target the health needs of their local population.
Early Career Researcher Development Pathway (ECRDP)
Early Career Researcher Development Pathway (ECRDP)
The ECRDP programme is a 12-month programme based on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework that supports the specific development of research interested individuals from health and social care as future research leaders in the region with aspiration to deliver research within local services.
The programme also supports development of future Principal and Chief Investigators providing a pipeline of future health and social care professionals as applicants for the CRN NWC Research Scholars programmes.
ECRDP Course Aims
ECRDP Course Aims
To understand the drivers, policy context and value of research in health and social care across the North West region and nationally.
To understand the role of the NIHR local CRNs and how to involve patients and organisations in research.
To introduce the knowledge, intellectual abilities, and methodologies to do and lead research.
To understand how to engage and influence others to ensure the wider impact of research.
To understand the factors/dimensions that create and enable leadership in research.
Develop the personal qualities and approach to be an effective researcher.
Have knowledge of the standards, requirements, and professionalism to do research.
To identify and fulfil personal development needs/learning outcomes.
To create a personal network that will progress and promote the research leadership journey.
To engage with current Principal and Chief Investigators in the region and understand their role and its impact.
To develop reflective practice skills and be able to critically review personal researcher development.
To develop aspirational goals and an initial 3-5 year career plan to achieve research leadership potential.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
The programme will offer up to 30 places to successful applicants who: -
Are employed by a health or care organisation in the north west region or deliver services as part of a contract for a health and social care organisation in the north west region. If you are unsure, please contact leanne.gregory@researchnorthwest.nhs.uk (NHS R&D NW)
Can demonstrate a significant interest and commitment to health and social care research and an ambition to become a research leader (application form and interview).
Can demonstrate a research interest in a specific area and/or specific research experience. Previous research experience is an advantage but not essential (application form and interview).
Applications from all disciplines will be considered but we particularly encourage applicants who wish to target the health needs of their local population and are interested in levelling up with regards to health inequalities (application form and interview).
Educated to degree level or equivalent portfolio demonstrated in CV (application form).
Be qualified and/or in a professional role for at least two years or more (application form).
Work in an environment where your potential as a clinical/social researcher can be fostered and supported by your organisation (application form and interview).
Have discussed their ambition to do research and reasons for applying to the ECRDP with their line manager and have support from their employing organisation with agreement to provide at least two days per month study time (must attend 90% of programme dates) (application form).
Selection will be by application and interview; this will be a competitive process.
Application Process
Application Process
Applicants for the programme will complete a standard application form (download a copy from the link, via File --> Download) and submit a brief CV by the programme’s closing date of 31st July 2023, 5pm.
Applicants should provide with their application, written confirmation from their line manager/supervisor and a senior representative from their employing organisation that they will be released for this programme one day per month for 12 months and provide a further one study day per month to support programme study (a total of two days per month).
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview on either 30th August, 31st August or 1st September with the programme due to commence on 28th and 29th September 2023. The interview panel will consist of experienced researchers and senior leaders of the NIHR NWC & GM.
Applicants will be notified by email by the week commencing 14th August 2023, if shortlisted to attend for interview on the 30th August, 31st August or 1st September (please save these dates in your diaries).
Feedback will be provided for applicants that are not successful following interview if requested.
Places on the ECRDP programme cannot be deferred.
This programme is open to health and care professionals which includes, but is not limited to, registered nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, psychologists, clinical scientists, social workers, mental health practitioners, and professionals supporting research. If you need clarification regarding eligibility please contact NHS R&D NW.
Programme Format and Content
Programme Format and Content
The programme is a 12-month course based on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework and is delivered over 11 days (i.e., equivalent to 1 day per month). On line group coaching sessions will also take place in-between each workshop. Dates for coaching sessions will be arranged once coaching groups have been assigned at the residential.
The programme will embrace a blended learning approach with homework, assignments and mentoring ensuring that all relevant content is covered during the 12-month period.
The programme is led by NHS Research and Development North West, with input from the local CRN teams, leadership coaches, organisational development experts, facilitators and a range of visiting speakers who will cover specialist topics. The programme is a 20 credit, M level (level 7) module at the University of Liverpool providing full access to the universities virtual learning environment.
Programme Launch Days (1&2)
The launch is a two-day residential stay taking place at a regional venue. The location of the residential is secret, and transport will be provided to ensure safe arrival at the venue.
Day 1 sets out the parameters of the programme, the learning objectives, and expectation of learners’ participation. It will establish the cohort as a community of practice building on the work of Wenger and Wheatley, embeds reflective practice and peer-to-peer learning. Pairing with mentors will be explored and the coaching groups will be formed. New learning tools will be introduced and other creative activities that will enhance the learning experience. The assignments, placements and expected outcomes for the programme will also be outlined at the launch.
Day 2 will start to address the drivers, policy context and value of research in health and care across the NW region. It will look at the development of the knowledge, intellectual abilities, and techniques to do and lead research and look at engagement, influence, and impact.
One Day Workshops
A further 8 one day workshops will be delivered over the 12 months to address the aims and objectives of the programme and will consist of leadership theory, guest speaker presentations, and development of reflective practice. There will be workshops to develop confidence, personal presence and establish individual values-based working. Group coaching will take place on line (2 hours) in between workshops and is designed to enhance learning through peer support and exploratory coaching conversations.
The final day
On the last day of the programme will be a celebration event involving individual presentations and showcasing of future development opportunities. Mentors and coaches, CIs from placements and senior CRN staff will be invited.
Accreditation
Accreditation
To pass the level 7 module, participants will be required to complete and submit two academic assignments prior to completion of the course. Assignments are designed to help consolidate learning from the programme and support the development of reflective practice and critical review skills.
Course Outcomes
Course Outcomes
On immediate completion it is expected that each participant will: -
Have a completed reflective diary.
Have developed a personal career plan with set short-term goals (to be achieved in one year or less) and long-term goals (to be achieved in one to five years).
Be more responsive and alert to opportunities for networking and developing reputation and esteem.
Have developed links with the R&D director and department in their employing Trust.
Have a foundation network of key people and organisations to support and enable their career plan.
Have both theoretical knowledge and some practical application of research methods.
An understanding of information literacy and management, research income and funding generation.
Have increased skills and confidence in their abilities to lead in research.
Have submitted two academic assignments to the University of Liverpool for accreditation at Level 7.
Evaluation
Evaluation
Before and after questionnaires will be administered to all participants and pre and post-course telephone interview conducted to provide an immediate evaluation of the programme.
Dates for Cohort 4
Dates for Cohort 4
Interview date: 30th, 31stAugust or 1st September
Residential launch: 28th & 29th September (secret location)
Workshop dates for 2023/24 :
19th Oct 2023
16th Nov 2023
14th Dec 2022
18th Jan 2024
15th Feb 2024
14th March 2024
25th April 2024
23rd May 2024
13th June 2024
We hope that workshops will take place in person, however if this is not possible, we will adapt and take the sessions online where necessary.
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