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We recognise that local authorities play different roles in research, and the governance and ethics requirements vary depending on the type of research and the local authority’s involvement. Our approach is therefore informed by a scoping exercise with more than 60 local authorities. Based on this work, we are developing practical tools and resources to help local authorities commission, host and initiate research, underpinned by governance and ethics processes that are proportionate, robust and easy to use.
The research costing tool has been designed to support local authorities in calculating the costs of research projects/activities and in preparing funding applications. In addition to helping users calculate the total costs of their research, it offers practical guidance on key factors to consider when completing research funding applications.
The definition and guidance was designed by, and for, local authorities. It provides a definition of research that you may wish to use within a local authority setting.
The research governance frameworks and associated documents have been shared by local authorities. You may find these useful to refer to if you are considering developing or updating a research governance framework or process.
In February and March 2026, 51 people, representing 23 different local authorities took part in online workshops to develop a set of local authority specific research governance principles.
This report relates to research governance and ethics processes within local authorities.
These learning stories showcase practical examples of ways in which local authorities have approached their research journey and worked to become more research-active organisations.
This webinar explores ways local authorities are approaching research ethics. Colleagues from Islington Council and Hertfordshire County Council share their experiences of setting up and running research ethics committees, and the Specialist Centre for Public Health delivered by University of Southampton and Partners share findings from their ethics pilot.
This webinar is for local authority colleagues involved in developing, updating, or managing, research governance processes within their organisation and/or anyone involved in the oversight of local authority research activities.
Explainer documents
Explainer documents
In order for others to trust in the findings and process of research, and to ensure that research activities meet legal requirements and expected standards, it is important that research governance, ethics and integrity are considered at all stages.
To help you navigate these expectations, we have developed the following explainer documents to introduce these topics and assist with decision making in these areas.
What is involved?
What is involved?
We want to hear from colleagues working in local authorities about any research governance or ethics processes currently in place in your organisation, or any processes that you are planning to implement.
We also want to know if there are areas relating to research governance and ethics that you find challenging, or where you feel there are gaps in available support.
We are currently gathering this information via informal conversations (online) and by asking people to share copies of any relevant frameworks, guidance or documents.
How to get involved?
How to get involved?
If you have any experience of research governance or ethics processes in local authorities or have any ideas on what we should be considering in this process, we want to hear from you.
Please email: NIHR.RSS.Publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk
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