All staff undertake a full, tailored induction programme and are mentored in post by their more experienced colleagues. Their training and development needs are discussed regularly and objectives are set. We have recently implemented a new local research progression pathway, based on the UKCRF Network competencies for our research nurses.
Staff are encouraged to pursue further education, including Masters degrees, PhDs, Advanced Nurse Practitioner programmes, and the FPM Diploma in Experimental Therapeutics with assistance in funding their further education.
Funding is also made available for staff to attend conferences, meetings and training courses outside the ICRF e.g. the UKCRF Network Conference, MHRA and Ethics/GCP forum, Imperial Leadership and Management Development Programme, Springboard Leadership Programme, Clinfield Lab skills course.
All ICRF staff are trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP). There are weekly designated refresher training sessions for ICRF studies. Training days are held regularly on all aspects of clinical research. Regular emergency scenarios and resuscitation simulations are carried out to ensure continual experience in identifying and dealing with medical emergencies; all staff attend life support training commensurate with their role. Staff maintain their own training records including keeping up-to-date with SOPs and policies; these are reviewed by the QA Manager and Quality Officer and regularly audited.
One of our Senior Research Nurses has taken on the role of Workforce Skills and Development Manager to lead on and organise ICRF training.
We have appointed a Wellbeing Champion volunteer position within the CRF, with staff rotating through the role on a six monthly basis. They promote, identify and signpost ways to support the wellbeing of their colleagues.
