We are one of a number of bodies with responsibilities for the regulation and governance of research in the UK. We recognise that to make it easier to do good quality research in the UK, we need to work collaboratively and influence and lead change with other agencies.
Successful partnerships forged through the establishment of the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) and Integrated Research Applications System (IRAS) provide a foundation and framework for the collaborations that we need to continue to deliver effectively.
Our established partnerships include:
- Close working with the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to provide UK-wide systems, including a UK-wide Research Ethics Service and the four nations NHS and Health and Social Care (HSC) compatibility programme
- The partnerships which underpin the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)
- Formal relationships with regulatory bodies, such as the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) that promote effective review of applications and which are underpinned by memoranda of understanding
- Those with organisations, such as the MHRA, which contribute to the development of EU-wide initiatives and respond to EU proposals to revise the regulatory environment for health research
- Working with INVOLVE, which supports and advises on our patient and public engagement activities
- The Collaboration and Development Forum was established to oversee a set of collaborative projects to improve the environment for research in the UK