Overview
Research can feel overwhelming, especially if your hospice has little previous experience. Our Guidance section breaks the journey into manageable steps. Each topic contains practical advice, examples, downloadable resources and signposting to further support. Whether you're developing your first research strategy or expanding an established programme, you'll find information that can be adapted to your organisation.
Getting Started
The Hospice Research Hub aims to help you understand where your hospice is now, where you want to be and how to take the next steps in becoming research active.
The Hospice Research Hub is here to help you:
- Understand: explore what research active means for your hospice and why research matters.
- Reflect: consider where your hospice is now, including existing research experience, capacity and support, and identify any gaps or opportunities.
- Plan: Think about where you want to be and the support you need to get there.
Engaging with a Commercial Study
This section explains how you can get involved in a commerical research study and what to expect. A downloadable template is available in the Resources section to support you through the process.
Strategy and Leadership
Research is effective when it is supported across the hospice. Find guidance on developing a research strategy that fits your hospice’s priorities and helps make research part of everyday practice.
Governance and Research Delivery
Research needs to be safe, ethical and well governed. Find practical guidance on approvals, governance processes, sponsorship, regulation and working with NHS and university partners.
Building Your Workforce: Education and Training
Research is a team effort. Explore different workforce models, research roles, career development opportunities and ways to build research capability across clinical and non-clinical teams. Develop the confidence and skills needed to support research. Discover training opportunities, learning resources and guidance for staff who are new to research, as well as those looking to develop specialist expertise.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
The voices of patients, families and communities should shape research from the beginning. Learn how to involve people throughout the research process and build lasting partnerships that improve the relevance and impact of research.
Resources for Researchers
If you are planning or conducting research, the NIHR provides guidance and resources to help you involve people throughout the research process.
Communications and Engagement
Sharing research is an important part of the process. Find advice on sharing opportunities, celebrating successes, involving staff and volunteers, and showing the value of research in your hospice.
Speak to your internal communications team for support with newsletters, press releases and other organisational communications. You can also contact the Hospice Research Hub, which can work with you to support wider communication and dissemination of your research.
Funding and Partnerships
Research thrives through collaboration. Learn about funding opportunities, developing partnerships with universities, NHS and other organisations.
