NIHR Health and Care Profession Internship Programme for South Central
Empowering health and care professionals to explore, engage and lead research across the South-Central region
The NIHR Health and Care Professional Internship Programme funds a wide range of early-stage, predoctoral research internship opportunities available across 12 regions in England. Internships funded through this programme give registered health and care professionals the opportunity to develop research knowledge and skills that can enhance practice, build research delivery expertise or begin a practitioner academic career.
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.
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 individuals and teams working in health and care across the South-Central Region.
You don’t need to work for the NHS to take part. We welcome applications from people working across NHS and non-NHS settings, including independent, voluntary, community and other health and care organisations.
You can apply as an individual or as part of a team. Teams can include people from different professions, organisations and backgrounds, bringing together the right people around an idea or project you want to develop.
To be eligible for Launchpad, you must be registered with one of the relevant professional or regulatory bodies listed below:
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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 for Healthcare Science, the Health and Care Professions Council, or another register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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 - hiowh.academy@nhs.net.
Igniting research in your career