RRDN Contractual Framework 

This page contains information about the NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) contracting process, templates and guidance documents.

RRDN Host Organisations are required to contract with Delivery Organisations from 1 April 2025 to route funding to support the delivery of research. We have responded to feedback collected from a range of Delivery Organisations and as part of the RDN Transformation Programme we have developed a new contractual framework for implementation by RRDNs that provides a more customer focussed approach. This work has been reviewed and approved by the RDN Operations Board and RRDN Hosts have also had the opportunity to give feedback. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who contributed their time and expertise in supporting the development of this work across the RDN and beyond. 

Regional Research Delivery Networks use two types of funding agreements.  The agreement that is relevant to your organisation is dependent on the amount of funding you are expected to receive over the course of one financial year.

Type 1: RRDN Delivery Organisation Contract

For organisations in receipt of over £50,000 per annum.

Type 2:  RRDN Funding Allocation Letter

For organisations receiving under £50,000 per annum.

Your Regional Research Delivery Network will be able to advise which agreement is required for your organisation. For answers to commonly asked questions please see our FAQs below.  You can also find regional contacts on the NIHR RDN Website

Type 1: RRDN Delivery Organisation Contract
Document template for organisations in receipt of over £50,000 per annum 

Frequently Asked Questions  for the Type 1 RRDN Delivery Organisation Contract

Please note these will be updated regularly in response to feedback.  Please check back here for the latest version.

Type 2:  RRDN Funding Allocation Letter

Document template for organisations receiving under £50,000 per annum

Type 2: Terms and Conditions accompanying Type 2 Funding Allocation Letter

Frequently Asked Questions for the Type 2 RRDN Funding Allocation Letter

Please note these will be updated regularly in response to feedback.  Please check back here for the latest version.

Supporting information for the RRDN Contractual Framework can be found below.

We are keen to collate feedback as this contractual framework is implemented.  Please complete our feedback form if you would like to report issues with implementation.

This document describes the RDN Funding Categories

This document describes the purpose, governance and RDN Specialties, Settings and Cross-cutting Themes

The Delivery Organisation shall ensure that, to the extent that they are relevant, and where reasonable to do so, contribute to and / or adhere to the Standards and Principles including, but not limited to, the following:

RRDO S001 Contribute to UK Clinical Research Delivery Key Performance Indicators UKCRD KPIs

RRDO S002 RDN Performance and Operating Framework (POF) 

RRDO S003 RDN POF Support Pages (PSPs)

RRDO S004 RDN Contract Support Pages, Standard Operating Procedures, and similar detailed operational guidance - Note Pending finalisation

RRDO S005 RDN Governance Framework

RRDO S006 Term and Conditions for NIHR Research Delivery Network Support 

RRDO S007 Eligibility Criteria for NIHR Research Delivery Network Support 

RRDO S008 Attributing the costs of health and social care research and development (AcoRD)

RRDO S009 NIHR Branding Guidance including RDN sub-brand guidance

RRDO S010 RDN Nomenclature

RRDO S011 UK Policy Framework for Health and social Care Research, with 'The Concordat to support Research Integrity'

RRDO SO12 Key principles for sub-contracting at scale

Throughout the Contract period there may be new or emergent standards which could affect Delivery Organisation provision. The adoption of any new or emergent standards will be communicated. Where standards referenced conflict with each or any other or with Good Industry Practice, then the later Standard or best practice should be adopted by the Delivery Organisation.

Internal RRDN User Guide   This is a guide for RRDN staff to support implementation of Type 2 Funding Allocation letters and the management of Type 1 Delivery Organisation Contract Variations.

Type 2:  Optional Quick Guide Template.  This is intended to be sent to delivery organisations to outline the process they need to undertake to access RRDN funding.  Its use is optional.  Please note the template can be tailored to your region.  Please see this finalised example from the East of England RRDN. 

We are keen to collate feedback as this contractual framework is implemented.  Please complete our feedback form if you would like to report issues with implementation.  

We would particularly like to know if for any reason a contract/agreement could not be put in place.

AcoRD Attributing the costs of health & social care Research & Development

DHSC Department of Health and Social Care

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

KPIs Key Performance Indicators

POF Performance and Operating Framework

PSPs POF Support Pages

RDN Research Delivery Network

RRDN Regional Research Delivery Network

T&Cs Terms and Conditions

UKCRD UK Clinical Research Development

Version 3.0, 29 May 2025 

Changes from V2.0

- Type 2 RRDN Funding Allocation Template V2.0 uploaded, previous V1.0 marked as superseded

- Terms & Conditions accompanying Type 2 RRDN Funding Allocation, previous V1.0 marked as superseded

Version 2.0

31 March 2025

Change(s) from V1.0
- Internal RRDN User Guide Uploaded.

Version 1.0
Effective from 21 March 2025

Naoimh Bohan

Senior Contracts Manager

RDN Coordinating Centre

naoimh.bohan@nihr.ac.uk

Ruth Hudson

Strategic Development Director

East of England RRDN

ruth.hudson@nihr.ac.uk