
Empowering health and care professionals to explore, engage and lead research across the South-Central region
A research-engaged workforce is linked to better care and improved health outcomes. Yet, for many health and care professionals (HCPs), research can feel out of reach - especially in community, mental health, residential, and domiciliary care settings. The Launchpad Programme is here to change that.
​Led by the Academy of Research and Improvement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust, in partnership with a consortium of NHS Trusts, Universities and Local Authorities across the South-Central Region, Launchpad is a dynamic, inclusive programme designed to support HCPs to explore how research can enrich their careers and improve services.




















What is Launchpad?
Launchpad is a multi-phase programme which will be delivered annually over the next three years, designed to raise awareness of research in practice, support you to think about what research in your career could look like and develop research knowledge and skills.
Time, space, support
It will also provide funded time away from the pressure of delivering health and care services to undertake research activities, and help you build networks across the South-Central Region to support and develop research in practice.
Relaunch
Whether you're new to research or looking to take the next step, Launchpad offers a flexible, supportive pathway to help you get involved.
The programme is delivered in three key phases
Each of these phases can be accessed independently, or you can choose to combine what you need based on your level of experience.
Who is Launchpad for?

​Launchpad is open to health and care professionals working across the South-Central Region, who are registered with the following bodies:
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Academy for Healthcare Science
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General Chiropractic Council
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General Optical Council
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General Osteopathic Council
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General Pharmaceutical Council
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Health and Care Professions Council
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Nursing and Midwifery Council
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Social Work England
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UK Public Health Register
Healthcare scientists should be registered with the Academy of Healthcare Science, the Health and Care Professions Council or any other Professional Standards Authority-accredited register.
Local support and contacts
The Launchpad programme supports HCPs across the South-Central region to get involved in research. Your individual organisations will be able to offer local contacts, information and guidance to help you connect with the programme as well as sustain and develop ongoing research activity. Take a look at the list of organisations and contact details.
Information for managers
We understand it can be really challenging to support HCPs to undertake research activity, especially in light of increasing operational challenges. We welcome managers to attend drop in sessions if they have any questions or contact the programme lead for additional support - academy@solent.nhs.uk
Ready to learn more?
Whether you're an HCP looking to explore research or a manager supporting your team’s development, Launchpad is your opportunity to “learn more” and “have a go.”
If you would like to learn more about the programme, please register for our Launchpad Webinar on Thursday 16th October at 12pm. A recording of the webinar will be available on this site after this date.
You can also contact the Launchpad team for more information by emailing academy@solent.nhs.uk