Research Programme

Research Leaders

Duration:

3 days (plus quarterly network commitment)

Location:

Various in-person locations

This programme is open to staff and people who have a passion for research. Research Leaders will support people in their service and beyond to get involved with research. They will promote evidence-based practice, use research to improve patient care and experience, and lead the development of research cultures across the trust.

Apply

About the course

The programme will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of leading research within community settings. It aims to develop leadership skills and confidence, as well as include training on building partnerships, research methodologies and career progression. Those who complete the training will become part of our Research Leaders Network, which will align with the Academy’s established Improvement Leaders Network, providing ongoing support and offering opportunities to collaborate with, and inspire other Leaders.

What it provides:

Learning to develop, implement and use research for better patient care and experience
Skills and leadership for research and improvement across your role
Time and space to think outside the box with others
Connections with peers as a network

What it involves:

Three externally facilitated training days
Quarterly teaching, coaching and peer supported research leader days
Ongoing commitment for 50% of the quarterly Research leader days
Linked network with the Academy’s established Improvement leaders
1:1 mentoring and support from the Academy of Research and Improvement
Building capability and a culture of research through sharing, promoting and supporting the development of others

What it includes:

Exploring and developing research cultures
Project management
Implementation of research and management of change
Influencing others
Partnership working with patients, universities and local communities

Who's it for?

This programme is for people who are passionate about leading and supporting others to get involved in research, both colleagues and those who use services. To join, you will be committed to developing and shaping research and learning cultures within your teams, supporting local health and care needs, and national/ organisational priorities. You will need prior knowledge and experience of involvement in research and leadership such as:

Research Delivery or acting as a Principal Investigator
Conducting your own research project within your team/service
Successfully applying for research funding, internships or fellowships
Undertaking post graduate education such as a Masters or PhD
Experience of mentoring others or leading teams within the organisation, ideally in relation to research or improvement.
Currently working in a role with influence over teams, services or pathways. This could be at any band or profession
Experience of initiating or supporting improvement or innovation activities
Able to work across professional or organisational boundaries
Have the support of your line manager

Apply

If you'd like to be part of the next Research Leader training programme, please complete the application form below.

The deadline for application is Friday 11th July. The 2025 programme will run on the following dates at the Lakeside Centre in Eastleigh Lakeside Centre | Conference and Event Space:

Thursday 4th Sept 9.30-4pm
Thursday 23rd Oct 9.30-4pm
Thursday 11th Dec 9.30-4pm

Quarterly network dates in 2026 will be confirmed asap but are likely to begin in April.

If you have any questions about the programme, please email academy@solent.nhs.uk and a member of the team will be in contact.

Research Leaders Programme 2025 Application Form

1. Contact Information:

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Phone

Service & Division

2. About you?

Tell us about yourself and any previous research experience. How have your experiences (e.g., research training, practical projects, etc.) prepared you for future leadership in research? (100 words or less)

3. Why you?

Why do you want to join the research leaders programme and how will the programme support your development? (200 words or less)

4. What impact will you have?

What benefit and value will this programme bring for your service, division and/or Trust? (100 words or less)

5. Training and development

We are hoping to shape the programme around the needs of people who apply. What would you be hoping to get from this course? i.e., any topics or networking opportunities? (100 words or less)

6. Declaration of support from your manager
I have discussed this application with my manager. Please insert the name and role of the person you have discussed your application with.

Managers Name

Managers Job Title

Closing date for applications is Friday 11th July 2025