Public Research Champions at Royal Surrey

The role of Public Research Champions is vital to what we do in research. Research Champions promote health research from the patient perspective.

Research Champions are involved from the very inception of a study.

1. They help the researchers to develop their initial ideas, ensuring that all the research we do meets the needs of our community.
2. They contribute to, and review research grant applications, making sure they are written in plain English, and fully consider the patient perspective.
3. Once a study has begun, Research Champions are on-hand to talk to participants, keeping them informed, and sharing their experiences.
4. Outside of the hospital environment, Research Champions also play a vital role in helping us communicate with the different communities we work with. They often advocate for the benefits of research in the media, and on social media. They speak at events, and represent the trust’s RD&I team in public fora and in the community.

This role is essential in upholding the NHS’s constitutional commitment that people using local healthcare services are given opportunities to take part in research studies. It is also an important part of our commitment to making sure the research we do has direct and tangible benefits to our patient by improving clinical care.

We are always looking for new Research Champions to join our group. It is a voluntary role, and as such the time you can dedicate to it will vary to suit you, and the work you do will be as much as possible tailored to your own strengths and interests.

To find out more, contact rsc-tr.ResearchAndDevelopment@nhs.net, including “Research Champion” in the subject line.