Research Governance in Social Services Developments, Spring 2005

ADSS is involved in new activities following the Research Governance Framework (RGF) Implementation Plan, May 2004.  This Plan set a timetable for change in Social Services Departments, and in the context of how research involving access to Social Services users and staff is regulated.  See the ADSS website for a copy of the ADSS Guidance Note ( 23.6.04) on the Implementation Plan, which also has references to the original documentation.

1. Most immediately, a series of introductory regional Workshops is being run during February and March 2005 by the Social Services Research Group (SSRG). Directors are encouraged to ensure that at least one relevant member of staff attends. Early versions of a general Research Governance resource pack are also likely to be available. As a matter of good practice, at least two places at each workshop are reserved for service users or carers interested in the topic.

Details are below: the contact person is Chris Russell.

SSRG Training Workshops: Feb-March 2005
IMPLEMENTING THE RESEARCH GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK IN SOCIAL CARE
This programme of free workshops is funded by the Department of Health

Programme:	Session 1	10.00	Introductions; Objective setting; Summarise RGF
		11.00	Break
	Session 2	11.30	Short Presentation(s) from local RGF leads
		12.30	Lunch
	Session 3	1.30	Group exercise - choose from a menu
		3.00	Break
	Session 4	3.30	Review objectives & decide next steps

(NB: The programme is flexible and the order may vary according to availability of speakers)

Target Audience: Local Authority lead officers responsible for RGF implementation

Participants: Each local authority is invited to take up one place, free of charge, at a workshop of their choosing. Additional places may be available. Maximum numbers of places at each workshop are indicated below. This number includes 2 places at each workshop for service users or carers acting in an advisory capacity to promote involvement from the beginning.

Facilitators: The workshops will be led by freelance researcher and trainer Chris Russell, supported by representatives from the RGF Advisory Group, Making Research Count, Research in Practice and INVOLVE.

Time: Tea & Coffee and registration at 9.30am for 10.00am start; Finish 4.30pm

DATE	LOCATION	PLACES (max)	VENUE
Tues 8 Feb	London	20	SCIE, London Bridge
Tues 15 Feb	Manchester	25	Salford University
Fri 18 Feb	Exeter	20	Exeter Court Hotel
Fri 25 Feb	Liverpool	20	John Moores University
Tues 1 Mar	Sheffield	25	Sheffield Hallam (Conference 21)
Tues 8 Mar	Birmingham	20	Council House
Fri 11 Mar	Durham	20	Collingwood College
Tues 15 Mar	London	20	LGIU, Woburn Place
Fri 18 Mar	London	20	SCIE, London Bridge
Tues 22 Mar	WALES	30	The Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran

To register your interest in a workshop, please contact Chris Russell tel 01588 630344, email rgf@barn.abelgratis.co.uk  giving your contact details and indicating first and second choice of workshop (date & location); any specific requirements; and whether you would like to reserve an additional place (subject to availability). Please book NOW to ensure a place at your preferred workshop.

2. A postal survey, by the Department of Health, is imminent.  It explores the current and planned Research Governance position of all councils with social services responsibilities. The results of this will inform the forthcoming decision-making on Ethics Review systems, at national and local levels.
   Directors are asked to ensure that the response rate is good enough to give a detailed national picture - 70% or higher.

3. A Research Governance Information Pack is in production, under the auspices of SSRG, and with ADSS input. It is expected to be available in its first edition in April 2005, initially as a publication : and then on the SSRG web-site.

Paul Dolan
1 February 2005