A Research Passport is the mechanism for non-NHS staff to obtain an Honorary Research Contract (HRC) when the research they propose to carry out means that they will have direct contact with patients, children or vulnerable adults. Or indirect contact that is likely to impact on patient care (some interviews, access with consent to patient identifiable data or tissue).
NHS R&D offices sign-off a Research Passport which researchers and their universities have completed.
The Research Passport lists the checks that the researcher's substantive employer has carried out, and so provides assurances for the NHS about the researcher.
When completed, Research Passports can then be taken to other NHS organisations, removing the need for duplicate local checks, and so streamlines the application process: Minimising duplication, reducing delay and removing inconsistencies.
A Research Passport will primarily be of use to researchers who have no contractual arrangements with the NHS and who wish to conduct research in the NHS which could have impact on patient care.
Researchers with substantive NHS employment contracts. The NHS has mechanisms for these staff to work across NHS organisations although in certain circumstances Research Passport can be an easy way to local access.
Researchers with Honorary Clinical Contracts (e.g. Clinical Academics). These researchers have joint NHS/ university posts which enable them to conduct clinical duties including research, and to work across NHS organisations through the existing NHS systems.
To determine the necessary background checks (i.e. the relevance of Criminal Records Bureau and Occupational Health checks) before a Research Passport can be signed by the Trust R&D Office, and to assess whether the outcome locally will be an Honorary Contract or a Letter of Access, please refer to this diagram:
As above, it should be noted that these are the arrangements for non-NHS employees. For substantive NHS employees the outcome will normally be a Letter of Access, and a Research Passport may be unnecessary.
If in doubt please contact the R&D Office - details below.
PLEASE NOTE: As of 12th October 2009 all CRB checks presented in support of a Research Passport application must be Enhanced. From that date accessing NHS patients or NHS patient data is a "regulated activity", as defined in the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and so requires this higher level of clearance.
For those with a complete and signed Research Passport, who need to update their Appendix, this is separately available: Research Passport Appendix V1.1.
Please note completed and signed forms must be brought to the R&D office in person with relevant attachments. Forms cannot be emailed or posted.
For further information or to arrange a visit for form sign-off please contact Nick Good in the R&D Office: nicholas.good@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk or 020 7882 7274.
R&D Office submission
Research Passport