NHS Guidelines - Version 2 - Healthcarenhs.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/NIHR... · 2 NIHR Identity Guidelines Principles and purpose The NIHR is committed to

Identity guidelines

June 2012 Version 2.0

NIHR Identity Guidelines i

1 Introduction ii

About the NIHR 1

2 NIHR identity 8

Communications approach 8

The NIHR logotype 9

Typefaces 15

NIHR colour palette 16

Photographs and images 19

Using words 23

3 Applications 26

Websites 27

Publications 34

Publishing research findings 41

Press releases 43

Stationery 46

Signage 50

Events and conferences 52

Merchandising 58

Advertising 59

Videos 61

4 Language, format and punctuation style guide 62

5 Communication protocol 70

Contacting Department of Health officials and Government ministers 70

Social media and digital engagement 71

Libel, defamation, copyright and data protection 72

6 Additional information for researchers 73

Acknowledging NIHR funding 73

7 Resources 76

8 Contacts 77

Contents

ii NIHR Identity Guidelines

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is a large, multi-faceted and nationally distributed organisation. Together, NIHR people, facilities and systems represent the most integrated clinical research system in the world, driving research from bench to bedside for the benefit of patients.

The NIHR receives investment from the Government and taxpayers and must, in return, provide the confidence required for that investment to continue. One way of doing this is to maximise the awareness and impact of the NIHR and its investments through consistent and correct use of the NIHR identity for all communications.

The NIHR identity guidelines have been developed to ensure there is consistency for all communications produced by the NIHR and to support everyone working within the NIHR when developing and issuing communications. Everyone who works within the NIHR, as well as researchers who receive NIHR funding and support, should use the guidelines.

Application will create unity and help build a stronger, more recognisable NIHR brand both within the research community and with patients and the public, industry and charities.

The guidelines provide details on how to use the NIHR logo and design, as well as setting out how to apply the guidelines in practice.

Introduction1

NIHR Identity Guidelines 1

About the NIHR

The NIHR was established in April 2006 to provide the framework through which the Department of Health can position, maintain and manage the research, research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England as a national research facility.

VisionTo improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

MissionTo maintain a health research system in which the NHS supports outstanding individuals working in world-class facilities, conducting leading-edge research focused on the needs of patients and the public.

Our goals Establish the NHS as an internationally recognised centre of research excellence.

Attract, develop and retain the best research professionals to conduct people-based research.

Commission research focused on improving health and social care.

Strengthen and streamline systems for research management and governance.

Act as sound custodians of public money for the public good.

Strategic priorities Transform research in the NHS.

Increase the volume of applied health research, and opportunities to participate in it, for the benefit of patients and the public.

Promote and protect the interests of patients and the public in health research.

Drive faster translation of basic science discoveries into tangible benefits for patients.

Develop and support the people who conduct and contribute to applied health research.

Maximise the research potential of the NHS to contribute to the economic growth of the country through the life-sciences industries.

2 NIHR Identity Guidelines

Principles and purpose The NIHR is committed to health, public health and social care research focused on the needs of patients and the public.

Our guiding principles are to be:

transparent

competitive

high quality

cost effective

focused on delivery.


StructureThe NIHR manages its health research activities through four main work strands:

NIHR Research: commissioning and funding research

NIHR Infrastructure: providing the facilities and people for a thriving research environment

NIHR Faculty: supporting the individuals carrying out and participating in research

NIHR Systems: creating unified, streamlined and simple knowledge-management systems.

Universities

Faculty

NHS Trusts

Patients and Public

Infr

astr

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re Research

Systems

Clin

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Clin

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Cen

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and

Units

Research Program

mes

ResearchSchool s

Research GovernanceResearch Information

Trainees Associates

NIHRTrainees

CoordinatingCentre

NIHR Central Commissioning Facility

NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre

UK Cochrane Centre

INVOLVE

Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (NIHR CSP)

Research Passport Human Resource Good Practice Scheme

NIHR IS FunctionUK Clinical Trials Gateway

NIHR Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre

NIHR Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure

Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME)Programme*Clinical Trials Units(CTUs) (x21)**

Cochrane Review Groups

Horizon Scanning Centre

Centre for Reviews and Dissemination

Research for Patient Benefit Programme

Programme Development GrantsProgramme Grants for Applied Research

Invention for Innovation (i4i) ProgrammeHealthcare Technology Co-operatives


Centre for Surgical Reconstructionand Microbiology ~

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme

Health Service &Delivery Research(HS&DR) Programme*Technology AssessmentReview

Public Health Research (PHR) Programme

School for Primary Care Research

School for Public Health Research School for Social Care Research

Integrated Academic Training Programme

Fellowships Programme

Research Methods Programmes

Clinical Academic Training Programme forNurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionsin partnership with the Chief Nursing OfficerHealthcare Scientists Programme, in partnershipwith the Chief Scientific Officer

Clinical Trials Fellowships.

Knowledge Mobilisation Fellowships

Research Professorships

Leadership Support andDevelopment Programme


Clinical Research Facilities (NCRFs) for Experimental Medicine

(currently x4; x19 from 1 Sep 12) Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs)

in England joint funded by NIHR and UK Clinical Research

Collaboration (x11, until 31 Aug 12)Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) in England,

funded in partnership with Cancer Research UK (x14)

Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) (x11)

Biomedical Research Units (BRUs) (x20)

Research Design Services (RDS) (x10)

NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and

Care (CLAHRCs) (x9)

Translational Research Partnerships(x2)

The Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN)

(x6 local networks)Diabetes Research Network (DRN)

(x8 local networks)Medicines for Children Research Network

(MCRN) (x6 local networks)Mental Health Research Network

(MHRN) (x8 local networks)

Cancer Research Network (NCRN) (x32 local networks)

Primary Care Research Network (PCRN) (x8 local networks)

Stroke Research Network (SRN)(x8 local networks)

Comprehensive Clinical Research Network (CCRN) (x25 local networks)

Clinical Practice Research Datalink #

Senior Investigators Investigators

NIHR Research Support Services

* Partnership Programme part funded by the MRC and the NIHR

** Joint support funding initiative by the NIHR and MRC

NIHR Structure as of May 2012

NIHR Coordinating Centres

Partnership initiatives

Legend:

~ Joint funding initiative by the NIHRand MoD.

# In partnership with the MHRA Delivered by the Ashridge Business

School

Patient Safety & Service QualityResearch Centres(x2 until 31 Jul 12)

Patient Safety Translational Research Centres

(PSTRC) (x2 from 1 Aug 12)


Research programmes

The NIHR has a comprehensive range of research programmes in both commissioned and response mode. They offer a focused source of funding for researchers with the aim of improving health and care by providing evidence to inform clinical professionals, NHS managers, patients and the public, and where appropriate, policy makers. The NIHRs research programmes are managed through two of the co-ordinating centres.

The NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC) manages: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme Public Health Research (PHR) Programme Health Services and Delivery Research (HS&DR) Programme Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme Systematic Review programmes Cochrane Review Groups and Technology Assessment Review Teams.

The NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) manages: Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme.

Research schools

The NIHR supports national research schools that bring together top academics and practitioners to conduct leading-edge research to benefit patients. The purpose of the schools is to increase the evidence base for effective practice by: conducting research to increase the volume and quality of reliable and relevant evidence; and creating an environment where first-class applied research can thrive, focused on the needs of the public.

School for Primary Care Research (SPCR)

School for Social Care Research (SSCR)

School for Public Health Research (SPHR).

Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology

The NIHR brings both military and civilian trauma surgeons and scientists together to share advanced clinical practice in the battlefield and innovation in medical research to benefit all trauma patients in the NHS at an early stage of injury. The Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology (CSRM) is a partnership between the NIHR, the Ministry of Defence, University Hospitals Birmingham and the University of Birmingham.

Research Design Service

The Research Design Service (RDS) provides support for health and social care researchers to develop and design high-quality research proposals for submission to NIHR and other national, peer-reviewed competitions.


Infrastructure

The NIHR provides the support and facilities the NHS needs for first-class research by funding a range of infrastructure facilities. NIHR infrastructure includes the following:

The NIHR Central Commissioning Facility manages: Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) Biomedical Research Units (BRUs) Patient Safety Translational Research Centres (PSTRCs) Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) for Experimental Medicine Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRCs) Healthcare Technology Co-operatives (HTCs) Translational Research Partnerships (TRPs) Dementia Translation Research Collaboration.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network led by its Coordinating Centre (CRNCC) supports the set-up and timely delivery of commercial and non-commercial studies in the NHS in England. This includes advice on study feasibility, streamlined NHS permissions and effective patient recruitment. The networks are: Cancer (NCRN) Stroke (SRN) Mental Health (MHRN) Diabetes (DRN) Medicines for Children (MCRN) Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases (DenDRoN) Primary Care (PCRN) Comprehensive Clinical (CCRN).

Faculty

The NIHR Faculty aims to bring together and support the growing NIHR community of health research professionals, including clinical and support staff from all relevant professional backgrounds. The NIHR Faculty has four categories of membership: Senior Investigators, Investigators, Associates and Trainees.

The Faculty also provides a range of research training and career development programmes to provide support for the academic training paths of all health care professionals and other key disciplines involved in health and social care research.

The NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre (TCC) manages:

Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme for Doctors and Dentists

Clinical Academic Training (CAT) Programme for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professions in partnership with the Chief Nursing Officer

Healthcare Scientists (HS) Programme, in partnership with the Chief Scientific Officer

Fellowships Programme


Research Methods Programme (RMP)

Clinical Trials (CTs) Fellowships

Knowledge Mobilisation (KM) Fellowships

Research Professorships.

The Leadership Support and Development Programme (LS&DP), delivered by the Ashridge Business School, provides support and development for leaders across NIHR, at different career stages.

Systems

The NIHR works with research partners to strengthen and streamline systems for research management and governance through a number of initiatives:

Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (CSP)

Research Passport (RPs)

Research Support Services (RSS)

UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG)

Information Systems, including the NIHR Portal

Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), in partnership with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Other

There are a number of other NIHR-funded initiatives:

Horizon Scanning Centre (HSC)

Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)

UK Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs)

INVOLVE

Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure (NOCRI).

Communications approvalGiven the NIHRs complex, multi-faceted, nationally distributed organisation, a communications structure for dealing with approvals and liaison for communications between the many parts of the NIHR has been developed and approved. The diagram on the following page illustrates NIHR communications approval and liaison routes across the distributed structure and should be followed by communications teams and individuals.


NIHR communications approval and liaison routes

NIHR CCF

NIHR HSC NIHR CRD

NIHR INVOLVE

NIHR ECMs

NETSCC

NOCRI

NIHR TCC

NIHR CRNCC

NIHR IS

Department of Health

BRCs BRUs

PSTRCs CLAHRCs

HTCs CRFs

RDS

RfPB i4i

PGAR

SPCR SSCR SPHR

SRMRC

HTA HS&DR PHR EME TARs CRGs

JLA PSP

NCRN DenDRoN

SRN MHRN DRN

MCRN PCRN CCRN

CLRNs

RPs RSS

UKCTG Portal

CPRD

IATP CATP HSP RMP

CT Fellowships KM Fellowships Professorships

L&DP

CRUK

TRPs

MHRA

CSP

ABS

MoD

NIHR communications approval and liaison routes


Communications approach

The NIHR identity has been approved as part of the NHS brand, one of the most recognisable and trusted brands in the country. The NHS brand resonates strongly with patients and the public and the use of it by the NIHR provides reassurance that our work is credible, ethical and will protect their rights and dignity. New brands cannot compete and so all NIHR-funded communications must comply with these guidelines, developed under the auspices of the NHS. Own brands are not permitted.

NIHR communications must reflect NHS values of caring for the health of the nation and of professionalism, efficiency, transparency, value for money, equality and, increasingly, choice and responsiveness.

All NIHR communications must be:

cost effective

clear, open and honest

written in plain, straightforward English that is easy to understand

accessible to a wide audience

up to date, accurate and consistent

inclusive and not discriminate against any individual or group of people

meet the needs of our stakeholders.

Any type of communication issued by any part of the NIHR should be able to demonstrate that it provides good value for money.

NIHR identity2


The NIHR logotype has been created using the NHS brand guidelines and is approved for NIHR use by the NHS Branding Team.

The NHS national lozenge is the cornerstone of the NHS brand. It is the signature of the NHS and signals NHS ownership of a service or message. It must be used consistently and correctly.

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SHN eht fo enotsrenroc eht si ogol eulb SHN ehT brand. It is the signature of the NHS and signals NHS ownership of a service or message. It must be used consistently and correctly.

The NHS logo should, wherever possible, be reproduced in NHS Blue or black. If these colours are not available, the logo can be reversed in white out of a coloured background. A reversed-out logo works better on dark backgrounds.

To reinforce the NHS brand, NHS Blue (Pantone 300) should be used. The NHS logo must never be reproduced in a tint of these colours and must not be altered in any way.

The NHS logo

All organisations that serve the NHS have logotypes based around the NHS national lozenge.

The NIHR logotype is made up of:

the NHS national lozenge

the name: National Institute for Health Research.

The NIHR logotype is the single most important element of the NIHR identity.

In any application, the NIHR logotype should always be legible, prominent and unobstructed. This is essential to strengthen the identity.

The NHS branding policy does not permit individual NIHR initiative logos to be created or used.

The NIHR logotype


PositionThe NIHR logotype should be positioned in the top right corner of the page in all communications owned or endorsed by the NIHR.

Exception:

Communications reporting research findings should not include the NIHR logotype in the top right corner. Please see the Applications section (p26) for detailed guidance.

Exclusion zoneThe exclusion zone is the area around the logo that should always be kept clear.

To ensure that the NIHR logotype remains clear and has impact, nothing should ever appear inside the exclusion zone. No other graphic or typography should appear within it.

This clear space (X) is proportional and is defined as the height of the NHS logo.

NIHR logotype illustrating the exclusion zone.

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The NIHR logo has been created using the NHS brand guidelines. It must not be changed in any way. The NIHR logo is available to download in various formats; please see page 29 for the website address.

PositionThe NIHR logo should be positioned in the top right corner of the page. If this is not possible, for example when working in partnership, it may be positioned at the bottom right.

Exclusion zoneThe exclusion zone is the clear area around the logo that should always be kept clear so that the logo has impact and is easy to read. This clear space (X) is proportional and is defined as the height of the NHS logo. Figure 1 shows the NIHR logo with the exclusion zone.

The minimum sizeTo ensure visibility, readability and accessibility, the NHS logo may never be used smaller than the size used on business cards, which is shown in Figure 2.

X

X

XX

fig.1

exclusion zone

8.5mm

fig.2

4.25mm

The NIHR logo

Recommended sizesOn standard size formats (A4, A5, etc) the NHS logo size should be as follows (where X is the height of the NHS logo):

A4: X = 8.5mmA3: X = 12.5mmA5 and DL: X = 6mmBusiness cards: X = 4.25mm

For further information on recommended sizes visit the NHS identity guidelines website; please see page 29 for the website address.

X


NIHR logotype sizesOn standard size formats, such as A4, A5, DL and others, the NIHR logotype size should be as follows (where X is the height of the NHS logo):

A4: X = 8.5mm

A3: X = 12.5mm

A5 and DL: X = 6mm

Business cards: X = 4.25mm

To ensure visibility, readability and accessibility, the NIHR logotype should never be used smaller than the size used on business cards.

Recommended sizes

Further guidance for using the NIHR logotype can be found in the Applications section (p26), which includes guidance for stationery (p46).

The NHS Identity Guidelines 7

Recommended sizes

On standard size formats (A4, A5, etc) the NHS logo

size should be as follows (where X is the height of

the NHS logo):

A4210x297mm

X = 8.5mm

A3297x420mm

X = 12.5mm

A2420x594mm

X = 17mm

DL99x210mm

X = 6mm

A6105x148mm

X = 5mm

A5148x210mm

X = 6mm

210x210mm

X = 8.5mm

Businesscard

X =4.25mm

X

The NHS Identity Guidelines 7

Recommended sizes

On standard size formats (A4, A5, etc) the NHS logo

size should be as follows (where X is the height of

the NHS logo):

A4210x297mm

X = 8.5mm

A3297x420mm

X = 12.5mm

A2420x594mm

X = 17mm

DL99x210mm

X = 6mm

A6105x148mm

X = 5mm

A5148x210mm

X = 6mm

210x210mm

X = 8.5mm

Businesscard

X =4.25mm

X

X = 4.25mm


NIHR logotype filesThe NIHR logotype must never be recreated or altered in any way. Only the original digital graphic files of the NIHR logotype should be used.

The NIHR logotype files are supplied in colour, in white, and in black. The colour files have the letters Col towards the end of the file name, the white files have Rev, and the black files have Blk.

The colour and black logotypes are supplied in three file formats: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) and TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). The white logotype is available only in the EPS format. The file formats are independent of fonts, and do not require the Frutiger fonts to be installed on your computer.

These files are supplied as stand-alone images, which are not designed to be opened by double-clicking on the icon. They should be imported into applications (e.g. Microsoft Word) and then resized and positioned as required.

The logotypes available to download are the correct size for use on an A4 document. See NIHR logotype sizes (p11).

Using the files

JPEG files are for general office use and can be imported into most computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. JPEG files will degrade if enlarged, whereas reducing them is fine.

EPS are high-resolution files used for the production of high-quality artwork for print and design programs such as QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign or Adobe Illustrator. They are vector format files, which means that they can be increased in size without loss of definition. EPS files should therefore be used if a large logotype is needed. The white EPS file has a transparent background and may be used in page layout programs where a reversed-out logotype is required.

TIFF files are used for producing graphics, in publications and online.

Instructions on how to import JPEG files into Microsoft Office applications

From the menu bar at the top of your computer application (e.g. Microsoft Word), select INSERT > PICTURE > FROM FILE. Then navigate to the folder or disc where the logos are stored, and select the desired file for insertion.


To change the size of the image, make sure the logo is selected by clicking on it. Then go to the menu bar at the top of your computer application and select FORMAT > PICTURE > SIZE and change the size.

Please ensure that Lock aspect ratio and Relative to original picture size are both selected. This will guarantee that the NIHR logotype is not distorted in any way.

Where do I get the NIHR logotype files?

The NIHR logotype files are available to be downloaded for use from the NIHR Portal or via the co-ordinating centres.

See Resources section (p76).

Remember, the NIHR logotype is a registered trademark. If you are in any doubt about its use, wish to use the logotype in any other way, are downloading it to pass on to a third party, or have any other questions, please contact us for advice. See the Contacts section (p77).

Using the NIHR logotype with non-NHS partner brandsThe NIHR works with many other organisations that carry out health research. When working in partnership, the NIHR logotype should be in equal proportion to the logo of its partners.

When the NIHR is leading, the logotype should be positioned in the top right-hand corner of communications, and the partner logo on the left-hand side.

Where the NIHR is a secondary partner, the NIHR logotype can be positioned in the bottom right corner.

When working with several partners, all the logos can be placed either at the top or at the bottom of the publication.

Further guidance on how to use the NIHR logotype when working with partner organisations can be found in the Applications section (p26).

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SPEAKERS:

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Guidance for the Tripartitemodel Clinical Trial Agreement

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3


Using the NIHR logotype with other NHS organisations NHS branding policy states that the NHS national lozenge may appear only once on a single page. This ensures that the impact of the NHS logo is not diluted by duplication.

When the NIHR leads on joint publications with other NHS national organisations, such as the Health Research Authority, the NIHR logotype should be positioned in the top right corner of the front cover, and a relationship statement on the bottom; the partner logos can be placed either inside or on the back cover of the publication.

NIHR research initiatives hosted in NHS organisations cannot use the logo of their host NHS organisation on the same page as the NIHR logotype. Detailed guidance on how to use the NIHR logotype when working with NHS organisations can be found in the Applications section (p26).

Dos and donts

Do:

make sure you use the NIHR logotype consistently and correctly

only use original digital graphic files and import them into the software application, e.g. Microsoft Word

keep the exclusion zone clear

use the right size NIHR logotype

ensure the NIHR logotype is in equal proportion to the logos of research partners.

Dont:

alter the NIHR logotype in any way

add other graphics or typography within the exclusion zone

use the NIHR logotype with another NHS logo on a single page

create new logos.

Placement of NIHR logotype on publications, top right corner.

Supporting thefuture of social carethrough research

School for Social Care Research

Improving the evidence base foradult social care practice in England

Annual Report 2010/11

3

Embedding Health Research

National Institute for Health Research Annual Report 2009/10

3

Do not add any typography, including initiative names, under the NIHR logotype.

Research Capacity DevelopmentBuilding capacity in the research workforce

Clinical Academic Training Pathway for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professions Clinical academic training supports clinical academic careers for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals under this scheme established in collaboration with the Chief Nursing Officer for England, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The Clinical Academic Training Pathway offers four levels of integrated training:

Masters in Research (MRes) or Masters in Clinical Research

Doctorate Research (not professional doctorate) Clinical Lectureship Senior Academic Clinical Lectureship.

NIHR Research Methods ProgrammeThe NIHR supports the development of individuals with expertise in statistics, clinical trials, health economics, operational research and modelling through its Research Methods Programme. This has involved providing funding to academic departments with research expertise in statistics or economics to undertake research relevant to the NIHR. The NIHR also supports talented individuals with interests in research methods through its Research Methods Fellowships and Internships scheme. Capacity development in research methods is also supported by the NIHR through its funding of Masters Studentships in Health Economics and Medical Statistics.

The National Institute for Health ResearchThe NIHR is building a vibrant and world-class research environment in England. It is:

Establishing the NHS as an internationally recognised centre of research excellence

Commissioning research focused on improving health and social care

Attracting, developing and retaining the best research professionals to carry out people-based research

Strengthening and streamlining systems for research

Acting as a sound custodian of public money for public good.

Visit the NIHR website at www.nihr.ac.uk.

Contact Details for the NIHR TCCNIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre Leeds Innovation Centre 103 Clarendon Road Leeds LS2 9DF

Tel: 0113 346 6260 Website: www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk

General Enquiries: [email protected]

NIHR Fellowship Scheme: [email protected]

Integrated Academic Training:[email protected]

Clinical Academic Training:[email protected]

NIHR FellowshipsNIHR Integrated Academic TrainingClinical Academic Training PathwayNIHR Research Methods ProgrammeNIHR Clinician ScientistsNIHR/CSO Healthcare Scientist Fellowships

Events Keep up to date with

upcoming events

CLAHRC News

Cambridge Institute of Public Health Showcase Day, 2nd May, Cambridge

Click here for more information.

HSRN Symposium: Delivering better health services

19-20th June, Manchester Central Click here to book your place.

Social Dimensions of Health Institute 25-26th June, University of St Andrews Click here for more information.

18th International Network for Psychiatric Nursing Research conference

through the ages 26- 27 September 2012, Oxford Submission deadline 8 May 2012 Click here for more information

Internal meetings

Rand Deep Dive 20th April

MEG 23rd April

Project Leads 23rd April

MEG 14th May

Programme Leads 18th May

April 2012

Systems Modelling and Simulation Knowledge Sharing Event The rst inter-CLAHRC knowledge sharing event on systems modelling and simulation was successfully held in Cambridge on 19 and 20 March. The event was jointly organised by the NIHR CLAHRCs for Cambridgeshire and Peterbor-ough and the South West Peninsula with support from the NHS Confederation. The aim was to explore how systems modelling and si mulation can help support the implemen-tion of research-based improvements in healthcare services. Over the 1.5 days delegates were able to discuss specic examples of modelling tools in health improvement initiatives, explore good practice and exchange ideas about how to improve understanding and use of these tools in the NHS. The participants have expressed interest in st aying in touch and the organisers plan to use this as an active special interest group within the NIHR CLAHRCs. The follow up event in Exeter, which is currently under disc ussion, promises to be an even more excit-ing opportunity for all interested stakeholders in this growing area of research that seems very relevant and timely in view of cu rrent political and economic realities in the United Kingdom and beyond.

For more information on the event, please follow the link or contact Alexander Komash-ie at [email protected] What are the priorities for research in dementia?

James Lind Alliance in a priority setting partnership for dementia. The partnership will set priorities for future re search around the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of dementia. It will work with people who have dementia, their car-ers, former carers, family members, health and social care professionals and members of the community to identify and prioritise the unanswered questions around dementia. This will help ensure that future research can be focused on the issues that are the most critical for those aected.

tunity to submit any questions that you have been unable to nd answers for. For more information about the project and to access the survey click here For more information about the James Lind Allia nce and its work on Priority Setting Part-nerships click here

Back cover Front cover

Crown copyright 2008291474 1p 1k November 08 (xxx)Produced by COI for the Department of Health

www.dh.gov.uk/publications

Improving the UK clinical research environment for the medical technology industry delivering clinical research services

meeting your needs

This leafl et has been produced jointly by the National Institute for Health Research, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the National Research Ethics Service. It explains recent changes in the UK health research environment that will benefi t the medical technologies industries.

Reducing bureaucracyThe model Clinical Investigation Agreement (mCIA) is a government-led initiative to reduce bureaucracy in study set-up procedures. Produced by the UK health departments with the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), the mCIA is endorsed by representatives of industry, NHS trusts and universities. The mCIA should be used in unmodifi ed format in clinical research of medical technologies, sponsored and contracted by industry.

The mCIA is designed specifi cally to:

speed up the initiation of studies and reduce costs by avoiding the need for site-by-site review and the negotiation of individual clinical investigation agreements;

provide assurance that appropriate arrangements are in place to protect both patients and the trusts responsible for their care; and

be used only in contract clinical investigations carried out in NHS hospitals.

The mCIA is not designed for use in collaborative clinical research. Model agreements for use in collaborative clinical research are being considered for development.

www.nihr.ac.uk/industry_model_clinical_trials_agreement.aspx

Our commitment to industryThe Healthcare Industries Task Force (HITF) was an important initiative between the UK government and the healthcare products industry. HITF recommended building R&D capacity and streamlining the regulatory and governance processes involved in research conducted in the NHS, in order to improve the environment for the medical technology and healthcare industries.

This environment of partnership working continues and cements our commitment to working closely with the medical technology industry to listen to concerns and to deliver research services that meet the needs of both the global and national industry providers.

3





















Typefaces

The NIHR operates as a part of the NHS brand so the typeface we use must be consistent with that used by the wider NHS community.

Frutiger is the standard NHS typeface. It is accessible and flexible, with a number of weights, as shown on this page. You should use it for both headings and text.

If you cant use Frutiger, you can use the NHS default typeface Arial, which is available on most PCs.

In the event that Frutiger or Arial is not available, you can use the secondary typefaces Garamond or Times New Roman.

Further information can be found on the NHS Brand Guidelines website (www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/all-guidelines/guidelines/national-organisations/nhs-typefaces).

Frutiger

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz &?! 0123456789

Frutiger Light

NIHR working on behalf of the National Health Service and the people who use it.

Frutiger Roman


Frutiger Bold


Frutiger Black


Arial

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz &?! 0123456789

Typefaces for the webThe NHS font family for websites is Arial/Helvetica. These sans serif fonts conform to Level Double-A of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines [link], are easy to read on screen, and should be the first choice for use online.

Please see the Websites section (p27) for detailed guidance on developing websites.


Colour provides visual interest and can be used to:

set the mood

grab attention

trigger an emotion

work in harmony or in contrast to an idea

support or distract from a message.

Because the NIHR identity is part of the NHS brand, our colours are taken from the standard NHS colour palette.

These bold colours have been chosen to make our communications bright and easy to recognise.

The NIHRs corporate colour is NHS Light Blue, Pantone Process Blue.

Each major work stream of the NIHR is colour-coded to differentiate between the operational arms of the organisation. Consistent use of these colours for communications will ensure that people recognise NIHR communications and our research activities.

The NIHR corporate and work stream coloursNIHR corporate colour

NHS Light BluePantone Process BlueC 100% M 8.5% Y 0% K 6%R 0 G 153 B 255HTML 0099FF

Programmes

NHS Light GreenPantone 368C 65% M 0% Y 100% K 0%R 91 G 191 B 33HTML 66CC33

Infrastructure

NHS RedPantone 485C 0% M 100% Y 91% K 0%R 216 G 30 B 5HTML CC0000

Faculty

NHS PurplePantone 2685C 100% M 94% Y 0% K 0%R 86 G 0 B 140HTML 330099

Industry

NHS Dark PinkPantone 676C 8.5% M 100% Y 0% K 15%R 160 G 0 B 84HTML 990066

Patient & Public Awareness

NHS OrangePantone 144C 0% M 47% Y 100% K 0%R 226 G 140 B 5HTML FF6600

Systems

NHS Aqua Blue with 50% tintPantone 312C 42% M 13% Y 0% K 0%R 153 G 204 B 255HTML 99CCFF

NIHR colour palette


NHS print colour paletteThe NHS print colour palette provides for creativity and diversity. The colours within the colour palette can be used as solid colours or as tints.

Please see the NHS Brand Guidelines website for the print colour palette (www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/all-guidelines/guidelines/national-organisations/nhs-colours).

NHS web colour paletteThe NHS web colour palette is specifically for use in electronic media. It uses a different specification system to the print colour palette. For example, within the web colour palette, NHS Blue (Pantone 300) is displayed using the hexadecimal format, HTML 0066CC. The web palette also allows for RGB variations in electronic presentations. Tints of the web colour palette should not be used.

Please see the NHS Brand Guidelines website for the web colour palette (http://www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/all-guidelines/guidelines/national-organisations/nhs-colours/web-colour-palette).

Further guidance on creating websites can be found in the Websites section (p27).

Use of the NIHR colour palette by coordinating centresThe relevant NIHR work stream colours should be used by co-ordinating centres to ensure their role in the NIHR can be identified within the structure. Please see Structure (p3) for more information.

If an area of work spans the work streams, the NIHR corporate blue should be used.

Programme Grants for Applied Research

Six competitions

When approached by Lilly to explore the feasibility of running an observational study in the UK, DeNDRoN knew they were faced with a challenge. Not only was this a relatively new therapeutic area for Lilly, with whom DeNDRoN had not previously worked, but the recruitment target was also very ambitious.

Judith Headley, Industry Portfolio Manager for DeNDRoN, describes her initial thoughts on the study:

We knew that the GERAS study, which looked into the resource use and cost of Alzheimers disease, would be ideal to run in the Network. However, based on our in-depth knowledge of patient populations, we were concerned that the original projected patient target of 750 was unrealistic.

So as well as seeking interest from our Local Research Networks we asked the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network if they could help. During this early stage we shared our concerns with Lilly and the target

was reduced twice, resulting in a minimum target of 360 and an upper target of 600.

DeNDRoN received 33 expressions of interest from sites across the UK, 24 of which were selected to run the study by Lilly. This gure included ve sites led by principal investigators whod not previously been involved in commercial research, one of which was Dr Jenny McCleery, Principal Investigator at a site in Thames Valley. Commenting on her experience, she said:

Prior to my involvement I had presumed clinical studies involved a lot of bureaucracy and form lling. However, this wasnt the case. DeNDRoN guided me through the process and made many of the necessary arrangements. I was able to delegate trial tasks feeling completely con dent that the staff were well trained to carry them out.

Dr McCleerys site recruited the highest number of patients in the UK and she even extended her target twice due to the hard

Networking for successdementias and neurodegenerative

By drawing on established, new and cross-Network relationships, DeNDRoN achieved its highest recruitment for a commercial study to date and suitably impressed a commercial sponsor to boot.

12 Networking for success

Escalating costs. Experts warn that the cost of Alzheimers and other dementias will soar as life expectancy increases

Faculty Associates

3 3 3





















Use of the NIHR and NHS colour palettes by initiativesNIHR research initiatives should use the relevant NIHR work stream colour as an accent highlight, with one or more colour combinations from the NHS colour palette.

3 3

Research making a difference to practice

CLAHRC-NDL Bi-annual newsletter

Edition 4 - Autumn 2011

engageCLAHRC at halfwayIn March 2011 our incoming Director, Professor Rachel Munton, initiated a mid-term review of CLAHRC-NDL, which has enabled us to take stock halfway through our five-year programme.

After a number of review panels, workshops and consultations with over 120 people, a draft document was circulated to staff in June 2011.

Sixty-four responses from staff, colleagues from our partner organisations, and others fed into proposals to make sure CLAHRC makes the best use of the expertise of its partner organisations and its staff.

We sent the proposals to three external reviewers in August, and their comments have confirmed a set of proposals - agreed by the CLAHRC Board and Senior Leadership Team - for implementation in the next phase of CLAHRC.

To find out more, see page 4.

AssociatesWe have over 750 Associates from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in our applied health research. Associates are invited to free training, events, seminars and conferences. As well as receiving regular monthly updates and Engage twice a year, you can follow us on Twitter (@CLAHRC_NDL) and LinkedIn.

If you have ideas for applied research, for implementing research or for improving evidence-based practice, please get in touch. If we cant help, we probably know someone who can. We are keen to share new ideas, so why not visit us (online at www.clahrc-ndl.nihr.ac.uk or in person) to tell us what you think.

Welcome Were halfway through our five-year programme, so this edition of Engage has a theme of lessons learnt. The blackboard images throughout the newsletter contain the lessons for each article.

Alongside updates from our clinical themes, we give tips on surviving organisational restructuring, throw the spotlight on patient and public involvement, and report back on a cross-CLAHRC knowledge sharing and diffusion event.

Special features include CLAHRC BITEs (our new bite-sized communications - see back page), a Social Return on Investment analysis of CLAHRC, how Map of Medicine is helping to share clinical information across boundaries, and Q&As with researchers, one from each theme.

Infrastructure support

The presence of an integrated, comprehensive set of support facilities is critical to our success. The following facilities enable all our discoveries, progress and achievements.

The BRC programme of research has

provided infrastructure support, such as a

Vector Core Facility, and focus groups for

researchers investigating the genetic

causes of blinding eye diseases.

Technical and senior research support

in genotyping and phenotyping to

underpin the research conducted by

all research themes.

Gene therapeutics

Genotyping and phenotyping facilityCombining the expertise of optometrists, senior

academic psychophysics researchers and senior

NHS clinicians. Imaging takes a number of

forms, of which microperimetry is just one.

Imaging and psychophysics

Donations by members of the public of

human tissue to researchers to facilitate

the development of new approaches in

the treatment of blinding eye diseases.

Eye bank

Cells for Sight Tissue Bank

Briefing note five:

How to involve members of the public in research

Planning and preparationTo help you plan and undertake

public involvement in your research

we suggest you consider the

following points:

involve people as early as possible

be clear with the people you want to involve

be accessible

resource public involvement in research

offer training and support

clarify organisational responsibilities

document and record public involvement in your research

Involve people as early

as possibleInvolve people at an early stage so that they feel part of the research and also have a sense of ownership of the research. Consider involving people in the identification and prioritisation of the research topic and the development of the research question. Ethical approval is not needed where people are involved in planning or advising on research, for example as a co-applicant on a research grant, a member of an advisory group or in developing a questionnaire.

Find out moreabout public involvement in research and the requirements of research ethics review

Joint National Research Ethics Service

(NRES) and INVOLVE statement (2009)

www.invo.org.uk/resource-centre/publications-by-involve

Public involvement in research

applications to the National Research

Ethics Centre (Tarpey 2011)

www.invo.org.uk/resource-centre/publications-by-involve

INVOLVE: Briefing notes for researchers, February 2012 13

3




















Using coloursWhen using colours consider your audience and the application you are using. Too many colours can distract the eye and reduce readability.

Palette tints bring greater breadth and flexibility to our range of colours and are particularly useful when producing diagrams and charts.

Make sure your colour choices enhance readability. Neutral colours work best as backgrounds and for use with titles and headers. Deep and bright colours used for backgrounds with overlaid typography do not always work well. This is particularly relevant for people with impaired vision. Given that we recommend that NIHR documents should be published electronically, ensure that you avoid colour combinations or a level of contrast that may hurt the readers eyes, for both electronic and print publishing.

Dos and donts

Do:

remember that many colours trigger emotions in readers

use colour to enhance and support your materials, not distract from the message

use complementary colours that work well together.

Dont:

use the NHS print colour palette for web and electronic publishing

use tints of the web colour palette for electronic publishing

use too many colours as it can distract and reduce readability

use colour combinations or a level of contrast that hurt the eyes

use green and red in foreground/background colour combinations as it confuses colour-blind individuals.


Photographs and images

Photography and images are powerful and memorable tools that express values just as strongly as colours and typefaces.

The NIHR is about the people at the centre of our research: not only the people who carry out health research but also patients and the public, who will benefit from new and improved treatments, interventions and preventative measures, and who will be able to make better choices about their health as a result of our work.

The images we use should express this and our values of professionalism, equality and accessibility. Images should reflect the pride we have for the work we do and the organisation we work for. They should show us as a modern, accessible, honest and cost-effective business and represent the diversity of the research community as well as the patients and public of 21st century Britain.

In most applications photography is preferable to cartoons and illustrations.

The NHS Photo LibraryThe NIHR uses photography from the NHS Photo Library. The NHS Photo Library provides a comprehensive resource for the NHS and related social care organisations, offering access to cost-effective photography for use in communication materials.

The library can be accessed at www.photolibrary.nhs.uk. See the Resources section (p76) for information on how to obtain permission to use the NHS Photo Library.

Independently sourced imagesPermission from the copyright holder must be sought for images sourced from elsewhere, and paid for if required.

If taking new photographs of staff and patients, you must ensure that you obtain their permission and record and keep their consent to publish the photographs.

The NIHR filmstrip The NIHR filmstrip, also known as the ribbon device, is a design feature that has been created especially for NIHR communications.

The NIHR filmstrip presents images that show the range of work the NIHR undertakes. It is a distinctive graphic that assists audiences to recognise NIHR communications and help the NIHR identity to stand out within the NHS brand. Its use is optional.


The filmstrip is a flexible device that can be positioned in different ways to add movement and variety to NIHR communications. When using the filmstrip, you should ensure that the edges do not show.

Photographs and the NIHR filmstrip should not be used together on the same page, as it makes the page look crowded.

Please note that the NIHR filmstrip is not a logo but a design style. You can use it in any publications that uses the NIHR logotype, but you must not place it directly under the NIHR logotype, as the exclusion zone must be maintained.

Images of the filmstrip is available from the NIHR portal. See the Resources section (p76) for information on how to gain access.

NIHR filmstrips


Using images Documents can be enhanced with photographs or illustrations. When choosing images for NIHR websites or publications you should:

check the resolution is at least 72 dots per inch (dpi) and a maximum of 150 dpi to ensure high quality is obtained if publishing online

check the resolution is at least 300 dpi for print

ensure that the image is relevant to the subject of the page or section

use good-quality images that will still work well when resized or cropped

choose pictures that show people from a diverse range of racial and social groups.

If specific images are used to illustrate text, a caption should give a short explanation of the image.

Usually, images will be rectangular with clearly defined edges. A border will help to define more clearly images where lighter edges are lost against the background, but the thickness of the border should be no more than 1 point.

Graphs and maps should be well drawn, clearly labelled and easy to understand.

Remember that high-resolution images increase file size, so that a web page or publication with many images will take a long time for some users to download.


Dos and donts

Do:

use pictures of real people staff, researchers, patients, the public from diverse ethnic and social groups

use the NHS Photo Library when searching for photography, as it contains a vast range of relevant and sensitive images

consider the appearance of the whole page or spreads when sizing and positioning images and the filmstrips

use clear diagrams and maps that are easy to understand.

Dont:

use small photos, graphs and maps that are unreadable

use too many images on a page as these distract from the message

use the NIHR filmstrip and other photographs on the same page.

23

6 Search for novelcancer antibodiesA research programme to

search for the next generation

of treatments for melanoma

and other cancers has been

funded by the Biomedical

Research Centre, bringing together researchers from the

Centres cancer, dermatology and imaging themes.

Researchers will hunt for treatments similar to Herceptin

that use antibodies to target proteins found in cancer cells

which are absent in healthy tissue. Although some

antibody treatments have already been approved for some

cancers, with over 200 different types of cancer, the

potential for identifying new antibody treatments is far

from being realised.

Consultant Oncologist, Dr James Spicer, who runs the

Cancer Early Phase Trials Unit at Guys Hospital is leading the

team of researchers involved in the study. The team will

focus on isolating proteins found in tumours but absent in

healthy tissue that can be targeted by antibodies. They will

try to discover and validate antibodies which can bind to

these, establishing their potential for entry into clinical trials

as possible new treatments. In addition, the three year

project will use imaging techniques and other laboratory

studies to validate candidate antibodies.

Around 9,500 people are diagnosed

with melanoma (skin cancer) in the UK

each year and we hope that through

this programme, we will be able to

identify potential new treatments that

can be tested in the future in clinical

studies.

Dr Sophia Karagiannis

Biomedical Research Centre senior research fellow

How patients have helped us with our researchUCLH/UCL NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre

Number of programmes funded

A decreasing number of applications received has led to

a general fall in the number of programmes funded in

successive competitions. However, the success rate of

Stage 2 (full) applications has actually increased from

25% in the first competition round to 40% in the sixth

competition (Table 1).

To date, a large proportion of the applications received

and funded have originated from the London and North

West regions, while the lowest numbers of applications

have come from the North East and South East Coast

regions (Table 2). However, the proportion of

applications funded has been generally similar across

the regions.

What applied research is being funded?The UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Health

Research Classification System (HRCS) is used to classify

research funded by Programme Grants; this has 21

separate health categories which encompass all diseases,

conditions and areas of health (see www.hrcsonline.net

for further information). Many of the programmes

funded are relevant to more than one area and therefore

appear in multiple health categories.

Nearly half of successful applications in the first competition

round were for research programmes on mental health, and

mental health research has continued to be particularly well

represented 30% of programmes funded in the first six

competition rounds have been classified as relevant to this

category (see Figure 5). In the first competition round,

programmes falling within the Stroke, Metabolic and

Endocrine (diabetes) and Neurological (dementia) categories

were also well-represented, and this has continued to be

reflected in the programme portfolio.

The research topics of other programmes that have

been funded are broadly spread across the HRCS-defined

disease categories, while a significant number of

programmes address issues that pertain to a broad range

of disease areas these fall into the Generic Health

Relevance category. Figure 6 shows the total spend for

each health category over the first six competitions.

Bloo

d

Canc

er

Card

iova

scul

ar

Cong

enita

l Diso

rder

sEa

rEy

e

Infe

ctio

n

Infla

mm

ator

y an

d Im

mun

e

Inju

ries &

Acc

iden

ts

Men

tal H

ealth

Met

abol

ic &

End

ocrin

e

Mus

culo

skel

etal

Neu

rolo

gica

l

Ora

l & G

astroi

ntes

tinal

Rena

l & U

roge

nita

l

Repr

oduc

tive

Hea

lth &

Chi

ldbi

rth

Resp

irato

rySk

in

Stro

ke

Gen

eric H

ealth

Rel

evan

ce

Oth

er

0

5

10

15

20

Nu

mb

er

of

aw

ard

s

25

30

35

2

11

14

1

10

1

32

11

8

14

64

65 4

16

9

1

Table 1: Summary of the numbers of Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications submitted and the number of programmes funded per competition

Table 2: Summary of the numbers of Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications submitted and the number of programmes funded per region

Figure 5: Graph showing the number of awards made by health category in the first six competitions

15Programme Grants for Applied Research

T bl 2 S f th b f St 1 d St 2 li ti

Competition Number

Stage 1 (outline) Applications Submitted

Stage 2 (full)ApplicationsSubmitted

Number of Programmes Funded

1 325 115 29

2 242 86 25

3 109 54 20

4 51 25 10

5 85 39 14

6 54 22 9

Total 866 341 107

Region Stage 1 (outline)

Applications Submitted

Stage 2 (full)ApplicationsSubmitted

Number of Programmes

Funded

East Midlands 68 26 7

East of England 47 17 7

London 344 124 35

North East 26 9 1

North West 102 51 15

South Central 53 27 11

South East Coast 15 2 1

South West 61 27 12

West Midlands 82 32 8

Yorkshire and the Humber 68 26 10

Total 866 341 107

Figure 6: Chart showing total committed spend for each health category for the first six competition (where a programme falls within a number of categories the total award is divided equally between the relevant health categories)

Reproductive Health and Childbirth

7,518,692

Respiratory5,368,308

Skin7,675,547

Blood3,799,363

Congenital Disorders584,446

Stroke13,580,086

Renal and Urogenital3,968,921

Injuries and Accidents1,999,845

Cancer10,772,212

Cardiovascular10,361,786

Generic Health Relevance

13,316,221

Infection18,428,318

Mental Health44,195,180

Metabolic and Endocrine11,099,191

Musculoskeletal8,848,204

Neurological17,343,117

Oral and Gastrointestinal

4,072,632

Other953,336

by by heahealthh ca categtegoryory in in th e fe firsirst st ix comcompetpyyy yyy pppggggg

NEWS

Supporting research to make patients, and the NHS, better Issue 6 | March 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

Clinical Research Network focus on delivery for

commercial partners

Improving quality and productivity in

the NHS through research

Supporting the life-science industry

to bring new treatments to

diabetes patients

The Fellowship ProgrammeTHEMES

This new programme is designed to support the CLAHRCs mission to build capacity throughout the northwest London sector and is based on experience of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement fellowship programme, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and Canadas SEARCH programme. Its aim is to develop a range of future leaders in research, innovation and improvement with the authority and ability to advance change in their organisations and beyond, thus building capacity and supporting spread and sustainability in line with CLAHRC objectives.

What s involved?All fellows will undertake a project which meets both local NHS and CLAHRC objectives. Each fellow will be expected to produce at least one publication based on their project and an evaluation report of their experiences in the programme.

All fellows will become part of the CLAHRC faculty and continue to support CLAHRC objectives, for example by presenting their work at events or by providing support and mentorship to fellows in subsequent cohorts.

Fellows Supportand Development The fellows will attend a three day introductory course and over a period of nine months, spend one day per month (for which CLAHRC will provide a bursary) devoted to their project and networking with their colleagues. Fellows will follow a tailor-made programme aligned with CLAHRCs established CLD programme.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The fellows objectives will be to:.................................................................................... Develop skills and expertise in improvement methodology, action research and evaluation Apply this learning to a specific project initiated and led by the fellow Develop an active network across northwest London and elsewhere Promote the implementation of the CLAHRC programme and help the vision become reality Contribute to the CLAHRC faculty and mentorship programme beyond their fellowship tenure.

One step at a time....

Community Engagement Event, February 2009

17

Correct use of images

Incorrect use of images

3 3


Words influence people just as much as brand and design. Written communications provide a means of showing how the NIHR is committed to meeting the needs of its audiences and express our values and principles.

Every time we issue a press notice, upload e-communications, publish a document or tweet we are acting as an ambassador for the NIHR and providing an impression of what the NIHR is like as an organisation. A communication can add to, or detract from, our reputation and the confidence others place in us.

All our communications should be clear and concise, direct, honest and open. Our subject matter is often complex, but we must use words that are accessible, keep sentences and paragraphs short, and avoid inappropriate jargon, acronyms and overly technical language.

Style

The brand

The National Institute for Health Research can also be referred to as the NIHR.

The acronym NIHR must not be abbreviated to N.

When using the NIHR logotype, you should not duplicate the name in print. See the Applications section (p26) for further details.

Acronyms and abbreviations

Write a name or term in full, followed by the acronym or abbreviation in brackets, e.g.:

National Institute for Health Research School for Public Health Research (NIHR SPHR)

National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) Programme

National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Cambridge BRC).

Once the full name has been spelt out its acronym or abbreviation can be used thereafter.

Do not put full stops in acronyms or abbreviations, e.g. NIHR not N.I.H.R.

Acronyms or abbreviations should only be used to refer to organisations, areas of the health and social care system, medical conditions and the names of research projects. Never use an acronym or abbreviation the first time these are written down.

Using words


Universally accepted acronyms and abbreviations such as NHS and A&E do not have to be written in full first.

Do not use an apostrophe for pluralised acronyms or abbreviations, e.g. BRUs not BRUs.

Possessive acronyms should have an apostrophe, e.g. the NIHRs exhibition stand at the conference.

Do not put full stops after a contraction of a persons title, e.g. Dr Keith Ridge, not Dr. Keith Ridge.

See the Language, format and punctuation style guide (p62) for further guidance.

Using relationship and funding statements as accurate descriptorsRelationship and funding statements should be written to provide the specific details required. They may be used separately or jointly, as early as the sense of the sentence allows.

Relationship statement example:

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research is a partnership between the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Keele, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Southampton and University College London.

Funding statement example:

The School for Primary Care Research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research.

Initiative detailed funding statement example:

The National Institute for Health Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre has been awarded xxx for a period of 5 years, from 1 April 2012.

In cases where an initiative is only part funded by the NIHR, the statement should clarify this in simple, clear language. For example:

The UK Cochrane Centre is part of the international Cochrane Collaboration, an independent not-for-profit consortium dedicated to providing up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of health care. The National Institute for Health Research is the largest single funder.

Research project funding statement example:

The [name of project] is funded by the National Institute for Health Research [name of research programme] Programme.

Research support for independently funded research statement example:

The [name of project] is supported by the National Institute for Health Research [name] Biomedical Research Centre and the [name] Research Network. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.


Strap linesThe NIHR strap line may be used in externally facing publications:

Improving the health and wealth of the nation through research

Strap lines should not have a full stop at the end.

NIHR initiatives can develop their own strap lines and use these in their publication materials, rather than the NIHR strap line. A strap line should capture the essence of what the initiative, programme, project or facility is funded to do and each strap line should be cleared with the relevant coordinating centre communications lead.


Applications

The NIHR is a large, multi-faceted organisation distributed throughout England. It comprises coordinating centres, research programmes, initiatives such as research schools, research infrastructure such as centres and units, research networks and numerous individual research projects funded by the various initiatives and programmes. All of these will be communicating with their own stakeholder groups.

The NIHR identity supports the individual parts of the NIHR in developing and tailoring communications to meet the needs of their specific stakeholder groups. However, all communications should observe the NIHR identity guidelines to support the reputation of the NIHR.

NIHR corporate identity

The NIHR corporate identity is a combination of the NIHR logotype, the colour NHS Light Blue (Pantone Process Blue) and the NIHR filmstrip.

Visuals of NIHR corporate materials

NIHR-wide identity

The following pages show how the NIHR identity should be applied by coordinating centres and initiatives to various communication vehicles.

NIHR initiatives can create their own look and feel design in compliance with the NIHR and NHS brand guidelines.

3

Embedding Health Research

National Institute for Health Research Annual Report 2009/10


Websites

Websites are live communication tools and our shop window to the world. Their easy accessibility means that the NIHR websites are the most important form of communication with our audiences. They provide several functions:

underpinning the NIHRs identity

increasing the visibility of the NIHR

educating people about the NIHR

providing up-to-date information about the NIHRs research initiatives and activities

informing researchers of the latest calls for research proposals and training opportunities

giving researchers access to application systems and other toolkits

providing an archive of live, completed and published NIHR-funded research.

Dedicated NIHR websites

NIHR logotype

All dedicated NIHR websites must have the NIHR logotype placed in the top right-hand corner of the master page, ensuring compliance with the exclusion zone and size guidance (p10).

The NIHR initiative name should be positioned on the left-hand side, in equal proportion to the NIHR logotype. The font size should not be bigger than the NHS lozenge, and all the text should be the same font size. As the NIHR logotype is being used, NIHR must not be inserted in front of the initiative name.

Strap lines must not be written directly under the initiative name or the NIHR logotype. The strap line should be placed in an appropriate position depending on the website design.

Ensure a link is provided to the NIHR website (http://www.nihr.ac.uk).

Using partner logos

Partner logos can be placed at the bottom of the website master page or home page.

However, NHS branding policy does not permit more than one NHS national lozenge to be included on a web page. Therefore, NIHR-funded initiatives that have partnerships with other NHS organisations cannot use the NIHR logotype as well as the partner NHS organisation logo on the website master page or home page.


When an initiative has an NHS organisation as a partner, a relationship statement listing all partner organisations, with links to their websites, should be used. The statement can positioned either at the bottom or elsewhere on the home page, depending on the design.

It is also recommended that details of the funding provided by the NIHR, as well as more detailed information about partner organisations, is included in the About us page.

See Using relationship and funding statements as accurate descriptors (p24).

URLs

New URLs for websites should follow the NIHR format of www.XXX.nihr.ac.uk, where XXX is the name of the coordinating centre or initiative. Please note that .org, .com and .nhs URLs are not advised.

The NIHR has procedure for the registration of NIHR URLs. In order to complete the registration, an IP address of the host is needed. Therefore, sites should establish their hosting arrangements first. To register the URL, contact the R&D Information Manager see Contacts (p77).

Dos and donts

Do:

make sure you use the NIHR logotype correctly

position the initiative name appropriately

use the relevant NIHR work stream colour appropriately

follow the relevant advice for creating websites.

Dont:

alter the NIHR logotype in any way

add other graphics or typography within the exclusion zone

use the NIHR logotype with other NHS organisation logos on the same web page.

Correct use of NIHR identity

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Website pages hosted by non-NHS partner organisationsIf an initiative has pages hosted on a partners existing website, such as a university website, you will need to work with the host to ensure that NIHR guidance is adhered to.

The NIHR logotype should not be positioned top right, but in a prominent position depending on the website design.

Remember that another NHS organisation logo cannot be placed on the same page as the NIHR logotype, so a relationship statement listing all partner organisations, with links to their websites, should be used.

A funding statement must also be used, together with a link to the NIHR website (www.nihr.ac.uk).


Website pages hosted by NHS organisationsIf your initiative has pages hosted on an NHS organisation website, you should not use the NIHR logotype but ensure that you use the full name of the initiative, e.g.

National Institute for Health Research [name] Biomedical Research Centre

in a prominent position. A funding statement must also be used, together with a link to the NIHR website (www.nihr.ac.uk).


Please see the NHS Brand Guidelines for further website guidance (http://www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/all-guidelines/guidelines/national-organisations/websites).

Dos and donts

Do:

use the full NIHR initiative name

acknowledge the NIHR funding and all partners

link to the NIHR website

Dont:

use the NIHR logotype with another NHS organisations logo on the same web page.

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Website designStyle sheets should be used for page layouts to help readers navigate through a website and user pathways will guide visitors to key information quickly. Metadata tagging should underpin the search function.

Minimum standard of accessibility

The minimum standard of accessibility for all public-sector websites is Level Double-A of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/). All new websites must conform to these guidelines from the point of staging platforms through to going live.

Colour

NHS web colour palette

The NHS web colour palette should be used when creating a new website. It uses a different specification system to the print colour palette, which allows for RGB variations in electronic presentations. Tints of the web colour palette should not be used.

Please see the NHS Brand Guidelines website for the web colour palette (http://www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/all-guidelines/guidelines/national-organisations/nhs-colours/web-colour-palette).

White space

White space helps to separate page elements and makes it easier for users to read web pages.

Intense colours

Certain colours, particularly when used for large expanses of page space, are tiring to the eye and can make it more difficult to read the content. Some colours are not fatiguing on their own but become difficult to look at when combined with other colours. Avoid using intense colours for large expanses on your page, such as page, table or navigation-bar backgrounds. Reserve these colours for accent highlights on your pages.

Typefaces for the web

The NHS font family for websites is Arial/Helvetica. These sans serif fonts conform to Level Double-A of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, are easy to read on screen, and should be the first choice for use online.

Images for the web

When choosing images for websites or online publications:

check the resolution is at least 72 dots per inch (dpi) and a maximum of 150 dpi to ensure high resolution quality

ensure that the image is relevant to the subject of the page or section

remember that high-resolution images increase file size, so having many