NIHR Research Support Services framework - competencies for Research and Development staff

Research Support Services (RSS) framework

The NIHR Research Support Services framework helps to make the initiation and delivery of research studies faster and
easier. The framework of tools includes an operational capability statement, study planning and risk assessment,
guidelines for effective local standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a competency framework to help develop
consistent, streamlined and risk-proportionate research management practice across the NHS in England.
(www.nihr.ac.uk/systems/Pages/Research_Support_Services.aspx)
Competencies
This set of practical competencies has been developed by a team of experienced NHS R&D managers who understand
what an effective research support team needs to know, understand and be able to do, in order to provide an effective
service for health research in an organisation.
How to use the competencies
These competencies recognise the diversity of roles within organisations and can be used in a pick and mix style to
suit individual requirements. Each competency has five levels to reflect a range of abilities from a new or inexperienced
team member to a proactive leader of activity.
The competencies are an aid to identifying and developing skills but it is for managers and team members to decide how
they are used and to what level. They are designed to be usable for:
Developing job descriptions
Assessing current skill levels
Working towards new skills and objectives
Staff appraisal, performance review and personal development

1
Competencies for R&D staff November 2013

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