Website of the Department of Health

Consultation draft research governance framework for health and social care

The Department of Health has undertaken to publish a policy on research governance by the end of the year (NHS Plan 11.12). Research is a core component of quality improvement, best value in social care and clinical governance. Research itself must be undertaken within a governance framework, and this draft Framework brings together existing guidance in a single document. The Framework will have an impact on practice in organisations within and beyond the health service. All those with an interest are asked to help to improve this draft prior to publication. The Framework sets out standards, delivery mechanisms and monitoring arrangements for all research which relates to the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Health, and defines responsibilities within and beyond the NHS. Standards will change over time and the document will be kept updated. For example, the Department of Health is currently reviewing the remit and ways of working of research ethicscommittees and new guidance on this will be published in 2001. Standards are presented in an annex in the form of web pages. The authors are specifically seeking help in ensuring comprehensive and appropriate coverage of standards. Prior to publication of the Framework the presentation of the web pages will be re-designed. Initial guidance on implementation of the Framework will focus on best practice and will be published early in 2001. [Book abstract]