Sharing the results from our research governance and ethics prioritisation survey

What did we find?

Priority areas that emerged were:

• Research language and landscape: Projects exploring research and evidence use in local authorities. How local authorities engage with and use research. What research governance, and research ethics, mean.

• Areas of research interest and collaborations: Projects to support local authorities identify research priorities. Helping local authorities to work with other organisations on research. 

• Managing data for research, education and working with local information governance teams: Projects to support data management and data-sharing for local authority -based research activities. 

We received the most comments around disseminating findings, finance and funding. Although these aspects did not score as well in ranking, they are clearly still important.

Also clear from responses and comments was a desire for practical tools alongside, or instead of, guidance. This includes templates, checklists, worked examples and case studies.

Survey engagement and responses showed that nothing was 'low priory'.  This is exciting; it reflects the enthusiasm of the workforce and the many opportunities we have to make useful change. It is also daunting given the scale, breadth and depth of the things we are all looking to achieve.

What does it mean?

This survey has been invaluable. Through it, we have identified short, medium and longer-term projects to take forward. These aim to complement the work local authority colleagues are already doing and planning in this area.

High priority projects that we will be taking forward in the short term (over the next 6-12 months include):

• Developing more understanding of what research governance means in a local authority setting. With the aim of developing some agreed local authority research governance guidelines.

• Case studies and examples of local authority research data management approaches. Signposting to existing tools and guidance.

• Tools and opportunities for local authorities to link with those with similar research interests. For example, via an interactive map tool.

• Template local authority costing tools and calculators. To make costing for local authority research activities easier, more transparent and consistent.

Longer-term projects that we will be taking forward (over the next 18-38 months) include:

• Exploring how local authorities use research and evidence. Including guidance on the most effective ways to present these.

• Templates and tools to allow local authorities to share their research findings and data.  

• Guidance on large datasets and sharing/linking local authority data for research.

• Case studies and tips on how to get local authority access to research tools (e.g. journals, statistical software etc.).

What happens now?

We want to work with local authority colleagues as we further scope and deliver these projects. Please look out for further information from us.

Please also keep the conversation going, we are always keen to hear feedback on anything we are planning or have delivered. We also want to hear about emerging research governance and ethics issues, gaps or successes.

Please email nihr.rss.publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk with any feedback.

If you would like further details about the survey, a copy of the survey questions or detailed report of the results, please email laura.brown8@newcastle.ac.uk