Procedures for Prison Research with Health Outcomes

6: NOMS ApprovalThe aim of the approval procedure for research projects fulfillingNOMS criteria is to help delivery groups manage any risksassociated with research. It ensures that:• there is high level delivery/policy input to research planning,resulting in a clear definition of what research is needed andwhat the aims and outputs of that research should be;• research is robust and valid, with a high quality design tomaximise the likelihood of achieving the stated aims; and• Ministers are aware of what research is proposed and why,and agree to the research.If the PSO 7035 application (see HMPS Approval above) includeshealth outcomes only, and meet the criteria in Box 1 (see Section2), it should be sent to PQAB for information only:If the PSO 7035 application also includes NOMS outcomes, forexample, offender management, reducing re-offending, protect thepublic, etc., and meet the following criteria, an application shouldbe made to PQAB for approval.The PQAB application consists of a PQAB form and a ProjectApproval Record (PAR) (See PHRN Website for downloads to theforms; www.phrn.nhs.uk/jail). PQAB usually takes 10 working daysto reach a decision. PQAB will contact the project manager directlywith feedback on the application.