What: we are introducing a new proportionate process to make it easier to set up research involving health and social care staff as participants in the UK
Who: sponsors, researchers, NHS and HSC organisations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
When: the new process comes into effect on Tuesday 10 March 2026
We are introducing a new process to help streamline the application process for research taking place in the UK where health and social care staff are participants.
The new process has been developed in partnership with NHS Research Scotland, HSC Northern Ireland and Health Care Research Wales following a successful pilot throughout 2024 and 2025.
What is changing?
We have reduced the number of questions that researchers need to answer in applications for studies where NHS and HSC staff are participants.
Changes have also been made to streamline the process for assessing whether the site where the research is taking place is able to deliver the study.
This proportionate approach will help save researchers time and mean they will be able to start their studies quicker.
What about studies involving NHS and HSC patients?
The process for research involving NHS and HSC patients, carers and family members, as participants in research remain unchanged.
These changes apply to applications for research exclusively involving NHS and HSC staff.
What do I need to do?
Guidance has been published on IRAS Help to support you through the application process and decide whether your study is eligible to follow the updated process.
If your study is eligible you need to follow the instructions on how to complete your IRAS application and submit your study for the new proportionate process.
NHS and HSC organisations taking part in staff only studies will be invited to feedback on the changes by completing a short survey.
A survey link will also be sent out via HRA and HCRW Approval letters (England and Wales) or via the outcome of the Study Wide Review (Scotland and Northern Ireland).
