Overview
Please note that this site will continue to develop as more passports are processed, so please keep checking back for updates. Please read the FAQ page before directing any enquiries to craig.fawcett2@ncl.ac.uk
What is the Research Passport?
A Research Passport is the mechanism for non-NHS staff to obtain an Honorary Research Contract or Letter of Access when they propose to carry out research in the NHS. This replaces the previous Honorary Research Contract process. The Research Passport system provides:
- One set of clearance checks: no duplication of CRB/Occupational Health checks
- One standard form completed by the researcher and his/her employer, and validated by an NHS organisation
- A completed Research Passport which is presented to all the relevant NHS organisations
- Faster study start-up
Who needs a Research Passport?
Please apply for a Research Passport if you have no contractual relationship with the NHS and you are proposing to carry out research in the NHS. If you are unsure whether you require a Research Passport please contact the Research and Development office at the Trust where you intend to carry out your research for clarification.
Who does not need a Research Passport?
You will not need a Research Passport or an honorary research contract if:
- you are a student on a healthcare placement; or
- you have an honorary clinical contract with the NHS (e.g. clinical academics); or
- you are employed by an NHS organisation; or
- you are an independent contractor (e.g. GP) or employed by an independent contractor
In order to apply for a Research Passport the project(s) you are working on must be approved by the University and be registered with each Trust you wish to work in - the Research Passport process does not bypass the University or NHS Trust R&D project approval processes.