The new National Institute for Health Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permissions (NIHR CSP) is being introduced in the NHS in England from 18 November 2008 for NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio studies.
NIHR CSP will streamline the processes by which NHS Trust provide permission (sometimes known as R&D approval) for new research and reduce duplication in NHS review processes. NIHR CSP will have a single entry point, via the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS), so that researchers will be able to apply for permission from all NHS sites in England through a single gateway.
Researchers wishing to gain NHS permissions from 18 November 2008 should note the following important changes:
1. From 18 November 2008, researchers submitting a new application for NHS permission for a study that is automatically eligible for the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio, ot that requires formal consideration prior to acceptance on the Portfolio, should apply for NHS permissions via NIHR CSP.
2. Applications for NHS Permission through NIHR CSP must be made via the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS).
3. The eligibility criteria for inclusion of studies in the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio have been set out by the Department of Health and are available here.
4. Initially, NIHR CSP will not be available for studies not included on the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio. Researchers whose study is not eligible for the Portfolio should continue to seek permission directly from the NHS Trust invovled in the study.
Further information on NIHR CSP is available in the UKCRN website. Please e-mail queries to csp@ukcrn.org.uk.
Researchers who have submitted an application for NHS Ethical Review via the NRES on-line application form (i.e. not via IRAS) should continue to seek permission directly from the NHS Trust involved in the study.
Researchers who have started to complete applications in IRAS but have not yet made applications to R&D offices should contact the NIHR CSP Unit at csp@ukcrn.org.uk for guidance.
Investigators based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and conducting a study with sites in England should contact the NIHR CSP Unit at csp@ukcrn.org.uk for guidance.