Information for new researchers

The RD&I Division can give you a great deal of help and advice with your research project.

If you are considering undertaking a research project within Velindre University NHS Trust please contact the RD&I Division first.

E-bost/ Email: Velindre.R&DOffice@wales.nhs.uk 
Ffôn/Tel: 02920 615888 (ext 4442)

The Role of the RD&I Division

• Ensure the safety and rights of research participants
• Ensure information about research is available to patients and clinicians
• Ensure research is of a high scientific quality
• Develop and deliver the Trust’s research strategy 
• Provide support to researchers throughout the research pathway (from grant applications to publication)
• Ensure the central registration of projects 
• Ensure studies are feasible to take place in Velindre (patient population, study team, training, support departments, funding, equipment, facilities)
• Ensure Velindre fulfils its legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities relating to research (hosted and sponsored)
• Manage risks and resolve issues in real time
• Monitor study performance
• Review and negotiate contracts
• Sponsor studies (local to international) – please see the sponsor information page for more information

The RD&I Division can help with:

• Funding/grant applications
• Application form completion
• Study document design and format
• Research submissions (RD&I, Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), Research Ethics Committee (REC))
• Study setup (contacting support departments, setting up agreements etc)
• Formal access to the Trust - Honorary Contracts/Letters of Access
• Sponsorship – please see the Sponsor information page for more information

Is my Project Research?

Not all projects are research. If you are thinking of undertaking a project please contact the RD&I Division before you complete any forms.

E-bost/ Email: Velindre.R&DOffice@wales.nhs.uk 
Ffôn/Tel: 02920 615888 (ext 4442)

The Health Research Authority (HRA) have developed a tool to determine if a project is research. Please click the following link to access the tool and answer a short questionnaire:

• HRA – Is my study research?

Registering a Research Project

Registering a research project can be a daunting process for new researchers. Please contact the RD&I Division as early as possible as they can provide support and guidance throughout the process.

E-bost/ Email: Velindre.R&DOffice@wales.nhs.uk 
Ffôn/Tel: 02920 615888 (ext 4442)

The following diagram highlights the main steps for registering a research project at Velindre University NHS Trust.  

Research Application

The following documents are typically included as part of a research application:

• Organisation information document (OID)
• IRAS application form – can be accessed using the following link: IRAS Form
• Schedule of events
• Protocol
• CVs and training certificates of Researcher and their team
• Participant information and consent documents (if applicable)
• Regulatory approval letters (Health and Care Research Wales & Research Ethics Committee where applicable) 
• Confirmation of portfolio adoption (if applicable)
• Relevant model agreement (provided by Sponsor where applicable)
• Pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology manuals (where applicable)
• Insurance (provided by Sponsor)
• Any other documentation deemed required by the site in order to complete the capacity and capability assessment

In addition, the Velindre RD&I Division require the following document as part of the research application (other NHS organisations might have something similar):

• Completed Velindre RD&I Study Feasibility Form

The RD&I Division will support you through the process and offer guidance at every step. Please contact the RD&I Division before you start to complete any forms:

E-bost/ Email: Velindre.R&DOffice@wales.nhs.uk 
Ffôn/Tel: 02920 615888 (ext 4442)