Procedures for Prison Research with Health Outcomes

4: Governance ApprovalResearch Governance can be defined as the broad range ofregulations, principles and standards of good practice that exist toachieve, and continuously improve, research quality across allaspects of healthcare in the UK and worldwide. It applies toeveryone connected to healthcare research, whether as a ChiefInvestigator, Care Professional, Researcher, their employer(s) orsupport staff.R&D Departments at local PCTs will assess research governanceissues, including the need for NHS resources from the proposedstudy sites. These will include an assessment of the study designand ascertainment of whether the study includes vulnerable groupsand the impact of this. Further information on research governancecan be found in the Research Governance Framework at thefollowing link:http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/ResearchAndDevelopment/ResearchAndDevelopmentAZ/ResearchGovernance/ResearchGovernanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4002112&chk=PJlaGgPrior to applying for governance approval, you may need to discussthe feasibility of the research with the R&D Department, relevantprison staff and/or the prison’s Research Contact. Contact detailsfor Research Contacts will be made available on the PHRN websiteonce complete. Final approval will only be given subject to NHSREC approval, but applications may be made at any stage.