What the research team does
Grant applications for research funding
The research team can act as the host (contracting organisation) for National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) grant applications. Our team supports research costing, including SoECAT completion and authorisation. To help build a strong grant application, the team can connect applicants with academics, health and care professionals, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), and other system partners.
By naming NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB as host, we can generate Research Capability Funding (RCF), which we use to invest in local research development.
Grant management
When National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) grant applications are successful, and NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB acts as the host organisation, we manage the full contracting process. This includes signing and holding the research contract with the funder (the Department of Health and Social Care) and establishing collaboration agreements with partner organisations.
We oversee the project’s contractual and financial management, ensure timely and accurate reporting, and make sure all legal, financial and intellectual property responsibilities are effectively managed throughout the life of the project. Please see the Grant submissions to the National Institute for Health and Care Research page for further information.
Delivery support
We facilitate the setup and governance of research across a wide range of health and care settings in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including primary care, community care, social care, care homes, hospices, community pharmacies, public health, schools, and voluntary sector organisations.
Our aim is to ensure that research is set up efficiently and fully supported across these settings. We also assist researchers with Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) applications and help them access research sites by issuing Letters of Access.
Dissemination
We host a series of seminars on a range of different health and care topic areas, enabling researchers supported by NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB to showcase their work to academics, health and care professionals, commissioners, community groups, and wider system partners.
We also hold and attend events, highlighting the great work being supported by and delivered in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Impact
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB hosts the Impact Accelerator Unit (IAU), a collaboration between the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol and the NHS. The IAU uses evidence-informed approaches to knowledge mobilisation to increase the likelihood of getting evidence into practice in a way that generates long-lasting and meaningful change.
IAU supported projects benefit from access to experienced knowledge brokers, insights from evidence users and opportunities to present work to health and care system groups.
Impact case studies
Research Engagement Network
We support the co-development of research with under-served communities through the Research Engagement Network (REN). Our diverse REN has been set up to improve the inclusion of under-served, racially-minoritised communities in research.
The REN is led by grassroots community partners Caafi Health and Nilaari, supported by People in Health West of England, and funded by NHS England. The network connects people researching and working in health and care with voluntary and community organisations, and public contributors.
