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Strengthening Research Protocols

The WEDHS programme of work revolves around increasing both the quality and quantity of research and as our remit extends to partnership work and research collaborations with other support services, networks and interested stakeholder groups, we have a duty to ensure that all research undertaken by, or linked to, WEDHS is of the highest quality and reflects the specificities of research that has a focus on ethnicity or 'race'.

With the aim of promoting and acknowledging high quality projects, all research linked to WEDHS must go through a process that considers the proposed study's (i) likely effects on promoting race equality (and the equalities agenda more generally), and (ii) its potential to improve health and social care outcomes of specific BME groups.

In the absence of agreed national standards, we have developed the WEDHS Research Protocol Policy which provides a set of criteria against which projects will be assessed.

What are the benefits?

The approval process, based on WEDHS Research Protocol Policy, is intended to formalise WEDHS involvement with other researchers who share our commitment to ensuring that all dimensions of equality and diversity are addressed in research practice.

The benefits include a 'value-added' dimension that will:

• Provide professional acknowledgment that your research protocols are of the highest possible standard, and reflect the specificities of research when focusing on ethnicity or 'race'
• Increase confidence within BME population groups
• Foster confidence amongst potential funders; especially with respect to the inclusion of public and patient involvement and community development strategies
• Increase awareness, throughout the network structure, of the importance of ensuring that all population groups are fully included in both the burdens and the benefits of research
• Create confidence in the development of a 'linked-up', structured, evidence- base rooted in regional and national research priorities, as agreed by WEDHS key stakeholder groups.

 

When must this form be used?

If any of the following applies to your intended study, then you will have to submit an Approval Form:

• Use WEDHS infrastructure in undertaking key aspects of the research process (i.e. recruiting participants or establishing regional contact points)
• Include WEDHS in some form (i.e. as a partner or collaborator - established or potential)
• Reference made to WEDHS' Research and Support Services as an 'added value' element of the research protocol.

How is the assessment process conducted?

All research proposals that fit the above criteria will be assessed and approved by a committee nominated by the WEDHS Steering Group. The Assessment Committee decides on the suitability of projects to run under, or in collaboration with, WEDHS. This assessment will take place prior to, and not after, the submission of the proposal. To make an assessment, a copy of the proposal will be required, as well as the WEDHS Research Approval Form completed by the lead applicant.

What if I don't have much time?

The Chair of the WEDHS Assessment Committee will be alerted as soon as possible to ensure a quick turn-around. However, if your funding body has really tight deadlines, there is a fast track option - please contact our Research Portfolio Development Manager, Dr Susanah Kimani, for details.