To support all teams with increasing participation in research at CNWL, Noclor NHS Research Office will be launching the Research Ambassador Program.
A Research Ambassador will be a member of staff who is passionate about advocating research to improve outcomes for our service users. They will be visible in clinical areas and act as a role model for those interested in engaging with research, supporting uptake of clinical research, and to signpost staff, students and service-users to research advice or resources as appropriate.
What are the time commitments?
Each Research Ambassador will take on the role for a year and will attend four 2-hour CPD sessions across the year including:
- An Introduction to Research in the NHS: Thursday 23rd of January 2025, 2pm – 4pm
- Understanding Barriers & Improving Access to Research: Thursday 24th of April 2025, 2pm – 4pm
- Research in Practice & Implementing Research: Thursday 4th of September 2025, 2pm – 4pm
- Research & Your Career: Thursday 11th of December, 2pm – 4pm
All sessions will be delivered face to face at Noclor NHS Research Office, JML House, Regis Road, Kentish Town, NW5 3EW.
The day-to-day time commitments of the role are likely to be minimal, as they will already fit into their clinical duties (such as attending MDTs or referring service users to research studies). This role is about upskilling & developing knowledge of research in clinical staff so that they feel comfortable discussing research within their role and acting as the liaison between the Research Delivery Team & their team.
Why should services support the Research Ambassador Program?
Health and Social care research is important in developing new diagnoses and treatments, as well improving outcomes for our service users. Additionally, research active teams see improved morale and reduced turnover, as well as meeting the CQC requirement to be research active.
This is also a fantastic opportunity for those who are considering a career in research to understand more about how research works in the NHS and can be embedded into their team’s practice. Research Ambassadors will receive training and certificates from Noclor which can be used to demonstrate their CPD hours as part of revalidation or continuous professional development.
What will you get out of the Program?
Research Ambassadors will each get a “Research Ambassador 2025” pin, a certificate on completion, 8+ hours of research training and a network of research-active colleagues across the Trust.
How do I apply?
Interested staff should submit their CV and the expression of interest form. You must be employed by CNWL, and have the approval of your line manager, who will be contacted as part of your application.
Please submit this to cnwl.researchambassadors@nhs.net by Friday 22nd of November. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 13th of December 2024.