Research Governance - the Local Authority context Chris Russell, Independent Consultant Research Governance Development Project (DH/KCL)

How many Local Authorities? 150+ Councils with Social Services Responsibilities (CSSR) in England Most are unitary authorities (single-tier); remainder are County Councils (two-tier) Councils vary significantly in terms of population size, service configuration and resources (£££, staff, skills…)

How many RGF systems? (1) Each council is an autonomous political body, so… This means 150+ separate RGF systems It also means – potentially – over 150 different RGF systems In practice, many RGF systems are similar, having been built on shared experience

How many RGF systems? (2) Feedback from 88 Councils in 2009-10 indicates that: 68% have RGF arrangements 17% have never had RGF 15% will have, or have had, RGF (ie. systems in a state of development or ‘on hold’)

What has helped? (1) In-house research capacity - staff, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm - plus the willingness to share experience DH Start-up grants – small but effective! DH supported Resource Pack DH funded training workshops 2005-2008

What has helped? (2) National and regional organisations: ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services) SSRG (Social Services Research Group) RiP & RiPfA (Research in Practice – children and adults) MRC (Making Research Count)

What has helped? (3) Informal sharing and formal alliances – Regional groups and consortia, eg: Midlands South East Authorities (SEARIG) London Alliance Greater Manchester Yorkshire South West London ‘Teeswide’

Finally… To help cash-strapped councils keep RGF on the agenda, the development of web-based resources will be ever more important: RGF “know-how” – online Resource Pack Bigger picture – online access to skills & knowledge to build research capacity Networking with peers – online community of practice