Research approval requests

If you are planning a research project that involves social care services, social care settings or users of social care services, you must obtain research approval from us.

Do I need research approval?

You will need approval if you answer yes to any of the following questions:

• Will the research aim to gain new knowledge by answering clearly defined questions using systematic and rigorous methods?
• Will you be gathering additional information beyond what is routinely recorded about service users, carers, staff or members of the public?
• Does the research include surveys, questionnaires (postal, telephone, face-to-face), focus groups or consultation events?

How to apply

To apply for research approval, please send an outline of your project to the support hub using the details below:

Your application should include:

• timetable for the research 
• copy of the information letter and consent forms they propose to send to participants together with how they can withdraw from the research 
• copies of any questionnaires 
• copy of questions they will ask in formal interviews or focus groups