How are you as a manager embedding research in your area to improve care and maintain effective services?
The Royal Devon is a research-led Trust because patients treated in research active organisations have better health outcomes, even when they are not themselves enrolled in a trial.
The Royal Devon Research Academy will support you to embed research in the care your service provides, identify staff development opportunities and have a portfolio of research in your area which will provide your patients with early access to novel treatments and interventions.
How the Royal Devon Research Academy can help
The Research Academy can help managers:
- Understand when and how research activity can be accommodated within roles
- Explore flexible and proportionate approaches to development
- Advise on supporting staff involvement, including proportionate time, supervision, and governance considerations
- Help align research activity with service priorities and workforce development
- Support conversations around appraisal, development plans, and career progression
- Act as a point of contact for navigating research roles, expectations, and opportunities
- Connect services with research teams, academic partners, and Trust‑wide initiatives where appropriate
Take your next step
Managers may find the following resources helpful:
- Royal Devon Research Academy support and contacts
- Research Toolkit for Matrons and other health care leaders
You can also get in touch with us via email to learn more about:
- What research is open or available in your area
- Opening a research study or trial
- Research training and education
- NHS guidance on research, quality improvement, and service development
- Trust appraisal and development
Supporting staff to apply for research funding
If a member of your team is interested in applying for research funding, there are a few key steps you can take to support them:
- Discuss their idea and how it aligns with service priorities and patient care
- Consider the time and resources needed to support their application and project
- Ensure they are aware of available support from the Research Academy (e.g. advice, training, mentorship)
- Help them build in protected time where possible
- Encourage early engagement with relevant teams (e.g. R&D, finance, clinical leads)
Supporting staff to pursue research can help build skills, improve services and enhance patient outcomes.
Get in contact
If you would like further help and advice, please email us via rduh.researchacademy@nhs.net