Sponsorship
Sponsorship is when a Sponsor, normally an organisation, takes responsibility for a number of different aspects of the research. For studies defined by the DHSSPS Research Governance Framework, this includes:
- Assessing the quality of the research (through peer review);
- Ensuring the researcher(s) has the skills, knowledge and expertise to undertake the research;
- Ensuring the research team can access the resources and support to deliver the research;
- Having in place any necessary agreements for the management and monitoring of research (co-sponsorship framework agreement);
Ensuring arrangements are in place to review significant developments, particularly those which put the safety of individuals at risk, and to approve modifications to the research.
If your study is defined as a Category B, C or D you must apply to the Research Governance Team for sponsorship for it. A request for sponsorship form should be completed and submitted along with the following documents that should be in a final state:
- Protocol, to include:
- Participant Information Sheet (on appropriate headed paper);
- Consent form (on appropriate headed paper);
- Questionnaires and/or semi-structured interview questions;
- Other data collection tools, as relevant;
- Peer Review comments and the researchers responses (if required);
- CV’s for researchers involved, these must be signed and dated;
- Evidence of appropriate training, e.g. Good Clinical Practice Certificates;
- Copy of Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) form.
