What does the WM RDS do?The RDS WM is part of the infrastructure of the National Institute for Health Research. It is one of ten services in England making up the national RDS. We provide help to any one working in the West Midlands region who has a 'good idea' and wants to turn it into a research proposal for submission to peer-reviewed funding programmes in applied health and social care. The RDS WM has three 'hubs' based in the Universities of Birmingham, Keele and Warwick. Each Hub has a team of staff with expertise in statistics, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, clinical trials, evidence synthesis, health economics, epidemiology, public & patient involvement, and ethics & governance. Will you support any researcher to develop an idea?We are happy to talk to anyone who has a good idea: you might be working in the NHS or Social Services, a patient, a carer or any other service user. What sort of support do you provide?We can provide support for all aspects of preparing grant applications including:
How much does it cost for advice and assistance?Advice and practical support is provided free of charge and is available through research clinics, face-to-face, by telephone and email. How do I get help?You can contact the WMRDS by email, telephone or post. In addition, you can fill in a query form that will automatically alert the WMRDS of your request for assistance. May I contact my local Hub directly?Yes, you can and you can find their contact details by clicking on the relevant Hub: Birmingham, Keele and Warwick. However, it may be easier to fill in a query form and we can then direct it to the person best equipped to provide the support you are looking for. What happens after I have submitted a request for help and assistance?We will process your request so that it is sent to the person best equipped to provide the support you are looking for. You will receive an email confirming that we have received your request, and you should hear from the assigned member of staff within 7 days. Will you sort out the 'ethics' and 'governance' forms?We are able to offer advice and support on all aspects of research ethics and governance processes. However, it is always the researchers' responsibility to ensure that any research they are involved in has been subject to the necessary scrutiny. I work in Birmingham but I am collaborating with a researcher in Stoke. Which Hub should we approach for advice and assistance?In the first instance, we would advise you to submit a request via our query form. This will then be reviewed by our Central Administrator who will be able to identify the RDS staff member best placed to provide you with assistance in your research. |