Research Governance Framework

Research Governance Framework
RGF: Information for researchers

Research Governance Framework and its benefits

As with most organisations, Croydon Adult Social Services and the Children, Young People and Learners Department conducts or commissions research to add value to the work of both departments and to also provide an evidence base for key policy and practice decisions. The conduct of research is therefore essential for the development of services and to ensure service development is in alignment with user expectation and statutory obligations. Croydon Adult Social Services and the Children and Young People and Learners Department work with vulnerable adults and children on a daily basis and therefore have a duty of care towards its users.

The framework will ensure that any research conducted by or on behalf of both departments has been gathered and collated in a fair, planned and rigorous manner and was also conducted to a high standard of ethical practice. Therefore safeguarding participants and allowing service users and carers, through their involvement have greater confidence in the policies, strategies and services delivered to them.

What is covered by the Research Governance Framework

Please see summary RGF leaflet.

Research Governance Framework in Croydon currently covers both children's and adult social care.

The Research Governance Framework defines research "as the attempt to derive generalisable new knowledge by addressing clearly defined questions with systematic and rigorous methods." Please see link to the DOH RGF guidance.

All studies and projects that meet this definition are subject to Research Governance.

All research undertaken by those not employed by Croydon must be subject to Research Governance procedures. Research undertaken by Croydon staff will also be covered, although a proportionate approach is recommended, whereby only the most risky and sensitive research is subject to close scrutiny.

This includes any consultations, surveys, or audits but does not include the routine collection of management information or information collected in the course of normal practice. Specifically, the RGF covers:
• surveys
• focus groups
• consultations
• evaluations
• reviews
• student projects

Please see the link below for more information: Document 1 - RGF Background information and guidance.