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• Getting Started
• Preparing a Principled
• Research Application Process
• Research Proposal Guide
• Arrangements for Access, Monitoring and Supervison

Before Completing The Online Application Form, Please Look At The Pages In This Section

Preparing a Principled Application

Standards: All research is different, but the following standards are common to all good pieces of research or evaluation, particularly where the project involves vulnerable people, their families, carers, communities and working people.

1. We regard research to be any form of disciplined inquiry that aims to contribute to a body of knowledge or practice. Projects must be well designed, of benefit and value to participants or subjects, avoid duplication of existing research, and be made fully available to anyone who will benefit from increased knowledge.

2. There must be a clear statement of research aims, which defines research objectives.

3. All research projects must subscribe to general research ethics informed by good practice, which provide guiding moral principles from inception through to completion... and beyond.

4. From the beginning, research should have appropriate and sustainable resources, in terms of people, time, transport, money.

5. Research participants and subjects should be treated with respect and regarded as partners in every project. All participants should have information that sets out clearly and accessibly what the research is about, what it will involve.

6. Informed consent must be obtained in writing on a written form of consent before research participation begins. Where a person cannot give informed consent, seek advice from the Research Co-ordinator about the issues involved.

7. Information collection and analysis methodology must be appropriate to research objectives. Clearly explained choices of methodology are required and we acknowledge that good research often uses a combination of approaches that complement one another.

8. Those involved in designing, conducting, analysing and supervising the research must demonstrate a full understanding of the area being researched.

9. Research must be carried out in an unbiased fashion. Researchers should not influence the results of the research in any way. The effect of bias and any controls to deal with it should be explained.

10. Researchers should be appropriately skilled and knowledgeable about research methods. They must have knowledge of the chosen methods, understanding of research issues, clear appreciation of the needs to safeguard vulnerable people and the possible need for support.

11. Non-abusive approaches to the participation of service users, staff and other people must clearly planned and implemented. Research activity must prevent any adverse effects of participant involvement through revealing information on their behaviour and preferences.

12. Risk and the potential for abuse in the research process must be identified and managed. People must be protected from potential physical or psychological harm, discomfort or stress, threats to a persons personal social standing, privacy, personal values and beliefs, links to family and the wider community, and their position within occupational settings.

13. Researchers must have an understanding of the actions needed should the possibility of risk or abuse be identified during the research process.

14. Applicants are expected to participate in the project approval process, engaging in a positive and constructive way with any advice, criticism or support that may be offered.