There is an increasing recognition and a requirement for promoting public involvement in all areas of research. This means an active partnership between the public and researchers in the research process, rather than the use of people as the ‘subjects’ of research.

It is recognised that the public are entitled to more say in deciding on what they feel are the most important questions that they think need to be answered in relation to clinical treatment.

Participants or their representatives should be involved in all stages of research, right from the initial design to the very end when it comes to reporting findings. There are several groups that are dedicated to assisting the public in becoming involved in research. SURGE (Service Users in Research Group) and FACTOR (Families and Carers Together in Research) have been formed specifically to tackle and implement changes in Mental Health Research and form part of the MHRN Network.

For a more general overview of becoming involved in research in the NHS visit the INVOLVE website http://www.invo.org.uk

Research is an important part of NHS business, and the Government recently made a commitment to ensure the NHS is a world leader in research.

By supporting and taking part in research, you are helping answer important questions, that can lead to better treatments and care for our service users, as well as making sure the NHS remains efficient in the future

As a staff member working for the NHS, we have a duty to help facilitate high quality research. It can also be interesting to work with NHS and University colleagues to answer questions that are clinically relevant.

You can see the studies the trust are supporting here.

To find out about conducting research within Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, you can contact the Head of the Research and Development department, Dr Anita McBride - 02380 718 540

All research projects that are undertaken within our Trust need to gain approval from the Research and Development (R&D) Department before they commence. The purpose of the Research and Development approval process is to ensure that all research is conducted within the Research Governance Framework (RGF).

Please be aware that a study cannot start, and potential participants should not be approached, until Trust Approval and Research Ethics Approval have been granted.