Research Champions Thames Valley and South Midlands
Research Champions are members of the public who volunteer their time to spread the word about health and care research to the public and help healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research. This website is about the Research Champions programme in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire, administered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
For researchers
Research Champions can support your research by:
Talking to patients and the public about health and care research e.g. by giving talks, hosting coffee mornings, creating play events or hosting stands within the local community, visiting health services.
Taking part in study rehearsals, where staff practice how they explain a study to a potential participant, the Research Champion
Work with champions to 'road test' the practical aspects of study delivery prior to the start of recruitment
Taking part in local actions to mark International Clinical Trials Day and health awareness days.
Visiting local health and care organisations to tell people about health and care research and encourage them to connect with local research teams.
Co-designing materials to raise public awareness of health and care research like posters and leaflets.
Collecting general feedback about taking part in research from participants.
Read more about how Research Champions support partner organisations to fulfil the requirements of the NHS Long Term Plan and CQC Well-Led Framework.
View biographies of our Research Champions here.
View posters, flyers and graphics to promote the initiative to the public and staff.
Please complete this form to make a request to work with our Research Champions.
If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a Research Champion please ask them to complete the expression of interest form. Please note: the programme is currently not recruiting new champions due to a re-organisation. Prospective champions are welcome to complete our expression of interest form and we will contact them then.
For more information contact comms.crnthamesvalley@nihr.ac.uk