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Research Champions

Are you passionate about making a real difference to people’s health? Do you want to break down barriers and empower more voices, especially those from underrepresented groups, to shape the future of healthcare? If so, step up as a Research Champion! This is your chance to spark curiosity and inspire action—by spreading the word about groundbreaking research, kickstarting conversations, and helping both colleagues and patients discover how easy it is to get involved. Join us on this exciting journey to transform health and care—your enthusiasm could be the catalyst for real change!

 Below you will find the terms of reference for the Research Champion role. These outline the key responsibilities required of individuals in this position, while recognising the importance of adaptability in response to the dynamic nature of healthcare research. Patient needs are inherently unique, and so too are the requirements of clinical and non-clinical teams caring for diverse populations, so the terms below recognise this and are flexible in nature.

To provide clarity, we have listed the general terms of reference below. Additionally, you will find interactive pop-up boxes offering detailed guidance on how staff from all backgrounds and roles can actively support and promote research within their areas and across the wider Trust.

The pop-up boxes are organised into four competency levels: Entry, Enhanced, Advanced, and Consultant. These levels are modelled on the Multi-professional Practice-based Research Capabilities Framework developed by NHS England. This framework aims to drive transformation in health and care services, improve outcomes and experiences for individuals and communities, and support health and care professionals in engaging with research. Each level is further divided into eight domains, with clear examples illustrating how both clinical and non-clinical staff can participate in research activities, integrate research into their roles, and achieve the competencies outlined in the framework, thereby championing research within their teams.

Research Champion Role: Terms of Reference

Attend at least two Multidisciplinary Research Forums annually, contributing to discussions and providing feedback on Multidisciplinary Research Newsletters.

Support NMAHP colleagues with research-related activities as needed, such as assisting with critical appraisal of research protocols, offering advice on establishing journal clubs, identifying potential participants for clinical trials, raising research awareness during safety briefings, and participating in the Annual Research Celebration.

Actively advocate for NMAHP research across the Trust by communicating research opportunities, encouraging engagement in research activities, and sharing personal research experiences through recognised forums including International Clinical Trials Day, Red4Research Day, and other notable NMAHP celebration events.

Contribute to Trust-wide research projects, including activities aligned with the research pillar of clinical practice, supporting research competency, knowledge and training frameworks for staff, and research career pathways.