Research Governance Framework Key People

Roles and Responsibilities of Key Agents in Research Governance Framework

Funder

Assessing scientific quality of proposed research
Establishing value for money
Assessing quality of research environment and experience of researchers
Requiring that a sponsor takes on responsibility before research begins

Sponsor

Overall responsibility for confirming that all the arrangements are in place ready for the research to begin:

Management and funding
Independent approval of methods
Ethical approval
Written agreements
Monitoring arrangements
Compliance with the law (Data Protection, Freedom of Information etc.)

Researchers

Develop proposals that are scientifically sound and ethical
Seeking independent ethical review
Carrying out research according to the agreed proposal and according to legal requirements and guidance
Ensuring participants’ welfare during research process
Feeding back results of research to participants Employing Organisation
Promoting a quality research culture
Ensuring researchers understand and discharge their responsibilities
Ensuring the research is properly designed, and that it is well managed, monitored and reported, as agreed with the sponsor
Taking action if misconduct or fraud is suspected.

Care Organisation

Ensuring that all research where they have a duty of care (service users, carers or staff) meets RGF standard

Access to research population
Checks (eg CRB)
Recording & Monitoring
Legal requirements

The Funder, Sponsor, Employing Organisation and Care Organisation will often all be Council services, if the research has been commissioned as an inhouse piece of work. In this case the person fulfilling the sponsor’s role will usually be a manager. If the study is part of academic work, the University or College will be the Organisation and a named tutor the sponsor.