Research governance for social care and public health

Research governance is the process of getting approval for a research project. It ensures high quality research by following regulations and principles.

We support quality research that benefits the County Council and our residents. If your research is on behalf of or involving the Council, then you may need to apply for approval. This ensures research is carried out to a high standard and protects the rights and wellbeing of everyone involved.

Research governance does not mean we will be involved in your research. If you want our employees to participate, you will need to agree this with management before you apply.

It is not ethical approval, but you must prove that your approach is ethical. Ethical approval usually comes from a governing body or your university before you start your project.

Is my project research?

Check if your project qualifies as research under the UK Policy Framework. You can use the Research decision tool | Health Research Authority (HRA).

If your project involves the NHS, check if you need approval from the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA). If you have HRA approval, you may not need to make a full research governance application to East Sussex County Council. Contact us to confirm this.

Do I need to apply for research governance?

You will need to apply if your research covers:

  • public health services, initiatives and interventions
  • social care support for adults, children, parents or carers

And if any of these apply:

  • The Council is the funder or sponsor of the project.
  • You want the Council to be a research site.
  • You want the Council to contact people who access support to invite them to take part in the project.
  • You want Council staff to take part in the project.
  • You want the Council to promote or endorse the project.
  • You are a Council employee and your research is for a qualification or to gain research skills.

Apply for approval

To apply for approval, email research.governance@eastsussex.gov.uk .

Include a brief outline of your research project with any questions. We’ll send you an application form to complete.

Even if you are in the early stages of designing your research and are not ready to apply, do contact us. We can answer any questions early on, to help you make your research comply with the HRA policy framework.

Timescales

We will reply to emails within 5 working days.

After we receive your application, we will return it with an approval decision. This takes up to 15 working days from the date we acknowledge receipt.

An application is not complete if questions are left unanswered. Please include an explanation for these.

How we review your proposal

We will consider your proposal to ensure that:

  • it has a clear aim and benefit
  • the methodology and materials are appropriate and safe

We will also provide advice on any changes to improve the quality of your research, in the role of a critical friend.

You will either receive:

  • full approval (which may have suggestions to improve the research)
  • approval if certain conditions are met
  • rejection

If we ask you to meet certain conditions, you will have the chance to respond to these to gain approval.

We will reject applications if we have serious concerns about the proposed research. We will explain the reasons why and support you to revise your application before you reapply.

How to contact us

To get in touch with any questions, email research.governance@eastsussex.gov.uk .