Information for researchers

If you are thinking of doing research in social care or housing, this page tells you what you need to think about before you start.

Richmond Council is keen to promote itself as a learning organisation. One way in which it can further this aim is by encouraging research as a valuable learning tool. However, it also has a duty of care to service users, their families and carers and to staff who might be the subjects of any research. This is what the approvals process is there to do.

It is in everyone’s interests to ensure that research is carried out to a high standard. Use the link below to access a document that outlines the standards and principals of ethical research:

Research standards and principles document(pdf, 91KB).

Research includes any study, survey or consultation intended to gather information which involves access to anyone in one of the groups mentioned above, either directly or indirectly.

Application form for Research Governance approval

Before starting your research, you should contact the Best Value & Quality Assurance Manager to discuss what you might want to do. If your research idea seems suitable, you will need to obtain approval and will have to:

• Prepare a research proposal, which should cover the areas outlined in the research proposal guide;Use the following link to access this document: Research Proposal Guidance(pdf, 77KB)
• Complete an application form for submission to the South West London Research Governance Consortium - use the links below to access the application form and guideance:

Download the research submission application form(pdf, 103KB) and you can download the application form guidance(pdf, 102KB)

lUse the following link to access the South West London Research Governance Consortiums' Terms of Reference:

Download the South West London Research Consortium Terms of Reference(pdf, 81KB)

If you are undertaking research through a university, your supervisor will provide advice and support in preparing your research proposal.