Frequently Asked Questions: Research Governance Framework
What is the Research Governance Framework (RGF)?
The RGF is a standards model for the governance of research where poor practice could have a direct impact on the health or well-being of the public. The governance framework describes:
- arrangements to define and communicate clear quality standards;
- delivery mechanisms to ensure that these standards are met, and
- arrangements to monitor quality and assess adherence to standards.
Does it matter what the subject matter is of the research project?
No. If you obtain samples via any of the bodies listed in question 3 the RGF will apply.
When is the RGF relevant for market and social research projects?
The standards in this framework apply to all research which relates to the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Health - that is research concerned with the protection and promotion of public health, research undertaken in or by the Department of Health, its non-Departmental Public Bodies and the NHS, and research undertaken by or within social care services that might have an impact on the quality of those services. This includes clinical and non-clinical research, research undertaken by NHS staff using NHS resources, and research undertaken by industry, the charities, the research councils and universities within the health and social care systems.
Do you still need to have ethics reviews?
Research within the NHS, which involves individuals, their organs, tissues or data, must have the prior approval of an NHS research ethics committee. For other social care research, the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) Research Group approves multi-site studies. The Implementation Plan for the RGF in Social Care requires all local social care bodies to ensure that ethical reviews are undertaken for externally funded research. Such ethic reviews are conducted via university ethics committees, the review process of local Councils or via the peer review processes of social care research funders.
Are there are instances when the RGF does not apply?
In instances where a researcher finds respondents via privately run residential homes, where fee-assisted respondents are excluded from a study or where respondents are found via 'free-find' sthe RGF will not apply.
What additional measures need to be undertaken when the RGF is applied for market and social research projects?
Researchers will need to discuss the RGF responsibilities with their Client. Information on the RGF can be found on the Department of Health website www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en.
How do the ethical principles of the RGF relate to the MRS Code of Conduct?
All MRS members must adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct which sets out the ethical principles which all researchers must follow when conducting market, social or opinion research. The ethical principles of the MRS Code of Conduct are: that research is conducted honestly, objectively, without unwelcome intrusion and without harm to respondents. These principles reflect those within the RGF. Details of the MRS Code of Conduct and its associated disciplinary procedures can be found on the MRS website. |
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