PSP098: RRDN Specialty and Setting Research Lead Induction Checklist

This document is intended as an aide-memoire for RRDN Specialty and Setting Research Leads (RSSLs) and Health and Care Directors to support the induction process for RSSLs. It is suggested that the content of the document is created and could be used as a check list. The list is not exhaustive, but intended to guide some key activities for the induction process.

• Introduction with RRDN Network Director. This may be in person and/or introductory video call

• Set up a NIHR account if not already registered

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

• RRDN to inform the Research Delivery Network (RDN) Coordinating Centre (CC ) of new appointment by completing the NIHR RDN Contacts: [XXXX RRDN] Google sheet, previously  shared  by the RDNCC Performance and Impact team (in case of queries, please contact rdncc.performance.impact@nihr.ac.uk). The RDNCC Performance and Impact team will be automatically notified and will inform all  relevant RDNCC functions and update the RDN Contacts sheet. 

• RSSL and RRDN Health and Care Director arrange to meet

Items to be covered in meeting between RSSL and key contact for support at RRDN: 

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

• Discussion around key objectives and goals for the RRDN annual planning

• Brief introduction to national stakeholders (National Setting and Specialty Leads (NSSLs) and national team)

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

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

• What support is available to RSSLs within the RRDN core team 

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

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

• National Specialty meetings

• Local Specialty Group (SG) meetings

• Specialty Development Group (SDG) meetings

• RRSL meetings with the RRDN

• Others

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

• RSSL to view the National Specialties and Settings Leads Induction Resources for modular training in NIHR RDN-related activities. Month one and ongoing activity; RRDN team may share the above link  with their newly appointed RSSLs 

• Discuss Specialty key aims and objectives and key learning and development needs with Health and Care Director, prior to meeting with RRDN Network Director

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

• Meet with RRDN Health and Care Director to discuss aims and objectives, and any identified needs

• Meet with RRDN Senior Management/Leadership team

Prepare for annual review. This may include:

• Key achievements 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

CI: Chief Investigator

D&A: Data and Analytics

PI: Principal Investigator

NSSL: National Setting and Specialty Lead

RDN: Research Delivery Network 

RRDN: Regional Research Delivery Manager

RRDN: Regional Research Delivery Network

RSSL: Regional Setting and Specialty Lead

SDG: Specialty Development Group

SG: Specialty Group

Version: 2.3

Effective from: January 2025

Tracy Harman

Deputy Director of Strategic Development

tracy.harman@nihr.ac.uk