Resarch Training Bursary Scheme

2016

Levels 1 to 3

GUIDANCE NOTES

Please ensure you have read through the guidance notes before completing the application

form.

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1. Introduction Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacists and pharmacy

to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public. Our broad ambition is to

improve the health of the public through supporting and promoting excellence in pharmacy

research.

This handbook provides a guide to the application process and key dates that applicants

should be aware of. These notes are intended to help applicants to complete the application

form. They explain why the information is needed and how it will be used to inform funding

decisions. Further information about Pharmacy Research UK can be found at

www.pharmacyresearchuk.org.uk.

What you need to know before you start? The application process for 2016 Research Training Bursary Scheme opens on 4th January

2016.

The deadline for completed applications is 5:00pm on Wednesday 4 May 2016. Please note

that applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Interviews for applicants short-listed for Level 3 Research Training Bursaries will be held in

London on the 11th and 12th of July 2016.

Please note: Applicants shortlisted for a Level 3 Research Training Bursaries are required to

attend an interview. Applicants for Levels 1 to 2 are not required to attend an interview.

Timetable for 2016 Pharmacy Research UK Research Training Bursary

Scheme

2016 Research Training Bursary Scheme goes live 4th January 2016

Deadline for submission of Research Training Bursary applications 4th May 2016 (5:00pm)

Applicants notified of outcome w/c 27th June 2016

Interviews in London (Level 3 applicants only) 11th and 12th July 2016

Applicants notified of outcome w/c 18th July 2016

Deadline for feedback to all applicants (successful and unsuccessful at interview stage)

w/c 4th August 2016

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2. Purpose of the Research Training Bursary Scheme

Purpose of the Research Training Bursary Scheme - Level 1 The Research Training Bursary Scheme Level 1 is intended to support pharmacists who have an interest in developing skills in conducting research relating to their practice. It provides funding for such pharmacists to undertake one or more taught research modules and a supervised small scale research project. The aim of this funding is to develop a group of community and primary care pharmacists who have basic experience and skills in research.

Purpose of the Research Training Bursary Scheme - Level 2 The Research Training Bursary Scheme Level 2 is intended to support pharmacists who have an interest in developing skills in conducting research relating to their practice. It provides funding for such pharmacists to upgrade a Diploma in Clinical/Community Pharmacy to an MSc. This usually involves undertaking a further two modules (one in research methods) and a project.

The aim of this funding is to develop a group of community and primary care pharmacists who have basic experience and skills in health services research who will pursue research as part of their practice, working in collaboration with other researchers or as part of larger projects led by academic departments.

Purpose of the Research Training Bursary Scheme – Level 3 The Research Training Bursary Scheme Level 3 is intended to support pharmacists who have an interest in developing skills in conducting research relating to their practice. It provides funding for such pharmacists to pursue formal training at Masters Level which includes teaching in fields relevant to practice research (e.g. public health, health economics, epidemiology or sociology etc.). Selected courses must include a period of supervised research and preparation of a thesis or dissertation. The aim of the Scheme is to develop a group of pharmacists who have basic experience and skills in health services research who will pursue research as part of their practice, working in collaboration with other researchers or as part of larger projects led by academic departments.

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3. Who is eligible to apply? Funding for these bursaries has come from the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust and is,

therefore, to be used to help individual community and primary care pharmacists who

demonstrate a real need for external support to develop their skills and careers in research.

All registered community and primary care pharmacists who are registered with the General

Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) are

eligible to apply.

IMPORTANT – Please ensure you meet all of the above criteria before applying.

4. What support is available? Annually, £40K is made available to fund a number of projects over the following levels of

funding listed in Section 2 above.

Level 1

Bursary applications up to a maximum of £5,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two years part time pro rata).

Level 2

Bursary applications up to a maximum of £10,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two year’s part time pro rata).

Level 3

Bursary applications up to a maximum of £30,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two year’s part time pro rata).

Each Bursary may (if required) include a contribution to the following items of funding:

Salary (pro rata for part time)/Locum costs

Course fees

Research costs (up to a maximum of £500, to include printing, postage and travel)

Supervision costs

Conference attendance (up to a maximum of £400 towards attendance and presentation of work at UK conference(s))

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5. Duration While it is preferred that projects last no longer than three years, the Scientific Advisory Panel

will consider projects of a longer duration if justifiable.

6. Notes on completing the application form

General points for completing the form

Please read through this guidance document carefully before you start your

application.

Please ensure you meet the entry requirements listed in Section 3 above.

Please retain an electronic copy of the form you submit.

All text should be a minimum of 10 points.

Please proofread your bursary application form and ask a

friend/colleague/supporting organisation to critically appraise it for you before

submitting.

Please allow sufficient time to obtain the necessary signatures and leave yourself

plenty of time to complete your application.

Do your research - both about your chosen research topics, the organisation and

individuals that will support you, Pharmacy Research UK’s research and areas of

interest and the panel members interviewing you.

Please ensure that your two hard copies are collated correctly, double-sided and

stapled.

Please ensure you make appropriate arrangements to ensure that the necessary

documents arrive in our office prior to the closing date and time.

Submitting your application form

Applicants are asked to submit completed application forms (one electronic and two hard copies) to the address below: Research Training Bursary Scheme Pharmacy Research UK Royal Pharmaceutical Society 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1AW Practice.Research@rpharms.com TWO HARD COPIES (double-sided) should be submitted (minimum of 10pt). Please do not forget to attach your own and your supervisor(s) Curriculum Vitae.

Please ensure you read through the notes below before completing the application form.

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Section 1 - Personal Details

Please insert your personal and contact details as requested.

Applicants must be registered pharmacists with the GphC and members of RPS and be

working as a primary care or community pharmacist (including locums).

Please clearly indicate which level of bursary you are applying for.

Section 2 – Current Employment Details Please insert the address of your current workplace and the name of your current employer. If you are self-employed, please state so under post title. If a self-employed locum, please state “locum” in the post title section. If you work in a pharmacy regularly, we would like you to add the details of that pharmacy under the current employer’s name and address. Applicants must have secured the agreement of their employers to attend taught course modules and to conduct research as part of the dissertation. Section 7 requires the signature of a representative from the employer.

Section 3 – Details of Proposed Training Bursary Our intention, in funding Research Training Bursaries, is to provide pharmacists with the basic skills and knowledge needed to conduct (or participate) in research as part of their everyday practice.

Level 1 The Bursary can be used to fund any course which is relevant to conducting ‘practice research’ in pharmacy. Examples of the types of courses applicants may wish to undertake are: modules from an MSc course or short course on research methods. We will be interested to know why you have chosen the course and will be looking for evidence that you have chosen a course that best suits your plans for the future and your experience of research to date. Please provide as much detail as possible about the course in terms of module content and any assessments that will be undertaken. We are asking you to identify an area of your practice that may form the focus for the project. It is recognised that the detail of the research project will emerge during training, however, an early indication of the area and potential research question would be useful. You will also need to state who will be supervising your research project and it is expected that this will be someone from your supporting organisation. If you are successful you will be asked to submit a summary of your research project including a timetable prior to starting the project.

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Training Programme We are looking for detail of the training you wish to undertake, formal and informal. As well as details re: modules, their timing and length, where they will be undertaken and costs, we would also like this information to be linked to your existing skills and knowledge gaps and match the ambitions of the proposed topic(s) for research. Applicants need to provide information on the various modules/courses that they will be undertaking. For modules/courses not contributing to a degree or formal qualification, the length of the course(s) and indication of the assessment/evaluation needs to be outlined. Additional useful information would be why you have chosen to do this particular course as opposed to any others, and how they relate to your proposed study area(s).

Proposed Topic for Research We recognise that your ideas may not be fully worked up at this stage and that, following your training, the direction of your research interests may change. However, we expect this section to cover areas of your research that you would like to pursue, where these interests have come from and how they relate to your practice/professional progression and the wider health context. Demonstrating some knowledge of existing research in your chosen area(s) and policy would be advantageous.

Level 2 The bursary can be used to fund any course which is relevant to conducting ‘practice research’ in pharmacy. Most relevant courses will lead to a Masters Level qualification. We are seeking details of the course you intend to undertake. We will be interested to know why you have chosen the course and will be looking for evidence that you have chosen a course that best suits your plans for the future and your experience of research to date. Please provide as much detail as possible about the course in terms of module content and any assessments that will be undertaken. We are asking you to identify an area of your practice that may form the focus for the project. It is recognised that the detail of the research project will emerge during the course and that, as a result of the taught modules, this may change completely. We will explore at interview why you think this aspect of your practice requires research and why it is of particular interest. It is anticipated that applications for Level 2 funding will be supported by a Higher Education Institution supporting organisation. Links to Schools of Pharmacy can be found at: http://www.rpharms.com/what-qualifications-do-i-need-/where-can-i-study-.asp.

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Level 3 The Bursary can be used to fund any course which is relevant to conducting research in pharmacy. Any course selected must include significant teaching relating to research methods and a supervised period of research experience. Subject areas that Trustees have identified as being particularly relevant include: • Health economics • Epidemiology • Sociology • Psychology (e.g., health, organisational) • Management studies • Public Health • Research Methods • Health Services Research • Law and Ethics • Philosophy • Anthropology Most relevant courses will lead to a Masters Level qualification. IMPORTANT: Bursaries cannot be used to support higher degrees in clinical pharmacy. We are seeking details of the course you intend to apply for – this information will be explored in more detail at interview. We will be interested to know why you have chosen the course and will be looking for evidence that you have chosen a course that best suits your plans for the future and your experience of research to date. We are looking for you to identify courses that best meet your needs. Please provide as much detail as possible about the taught modules (both compulsory and optional), the length of time to be spent on a research project and the requirements for assessment. We are asking you to identify an area of your practice that may form the focus for the project. It is recognised that the detail of the research project will emerge during the course and that, as a result of the taught modules, this may change completely. We will explore at interview why you think this aspect of your practice requires

PLEASE NOTE: All research projects must be conducted in accordance with national and local ethics and research governance guidelines. Successful applicants will be expected to obtain both ethical and R&D approval to cover the sites in which they work before the programme of study can commence.

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Section 4 – Your Professional Development through Research Here we are interested to know if you have any previous experience in research and why you are interested in developing your research skills. You will need to demonstrate here, and at interview, that this Bursary provides a significant opportunity for you to develop your career in research. In funding these Bursaries we are looking to increase the numbers of pharmacists who are able to develop careers that include research activity. You may be planning to stay in practice, but would like to work on projects locally or you may have plans to undertake further academic training. It is not essential for you to have extensive experience at this stage, but some grounding in research will be an advantage. We are just interested to know your plans and how you see this Bursary contributing to your professional development.

Balancing your current work activities with your proposed research project and training You need to be realistic about what you are proposing to do and the amount of time that it will take to achieve this. You will need to demonstrate that you have thought through what this study and training programme will involve in terms of time commitment and how you will balance this with your current work activities.

Section 5 - Sources of Advice and Supervision

Ongoing Support and Supervision Making use of the available support and expertise from your supporting organisation is critical. You should discuss your needs with the relevant parties and agree the support arrangements they will provide (both in time, expertise and resources). Pharmacy Research UK would like to see an indication of the kinds of support you will be receiving from individual/organisations identified including formal and informal arrangements. Areas that might be included from a research training perspective are: Developing your existing idea into a feasible research question

How to conduct a literature review

Identifying paradigms and approaches to match the problem/questions

Refining the questions/hypotheses, selecting a general research design and identifying a suitable sample

Selecting appropriate quantitative data collection tools and analysis techniques

Selecting appropriate qualitative data collection tools and analysis techniques

Identifying suitable partnerships/collaborations

Advice on ethical considerations and approval processes Practical areas of support might also be relevant, for example: Office resources/facilities

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Library facilities

Professional contacts

Peer support The above lists are not exhaustive and you may have additional contacts (professional/academic) that you may wish to list here (e.g., a professional colleague who can act as a “critical friend”).

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Section 6 – Summary of Financial Details

Level 1 Bursary applications up to a maximum of £5,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two years part time pro rata).

Level 2 Bursary applications up to a maximum of £10,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two year’s part time pro rata).

Level 3 Bursary applications up to a maximum of £30,000 per pharmacist can be made for one year (or two year’s part time pro rata).

Each Bursary may (if required) include a contribution to the following items of funding:

Salary (pro rata for part time)/Locum costs

Course fees

Research costs (up to a maximum of £500, to include printing, postage and travel)

Supervision costs

Conference attendance (up to a maximum of £400 towards attendance and presentation of work at UK conference(s))

*Please note: that for the purposes of calculating salaries for self-employed applicants’ average community pharmacy annual salaries will be used as a benchmark.

We will expect to pay the course provider directly for any course fees and will pay the other components of the award directly to the Bursary holder. It is the responsibility of the Bursary holder to arrange for any tuition invoices to be sent directly to Pharmacy Research UK. The salary or locum component of the Bursary will be paid quarterly, in arrears direct to the Bursary holder/institution. Research costs and conference attendance will be paid in arrears and we will require proof of registration (for conferences) and details of research costs before payments can be made. PLEASE NOTE: These awards are student bursaries. We understand that under Section 331 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, they may be exempt from income tax. Their primary purpose is learning, not employment, and so we understand that the bursaries produce no National Insurance contribution liability. However, depending on your individual circumstances you may find your local tax office will wish to tax your Bursary. In making the final arrangements for receiving your Bursary you may like to take this into consideration. Pharmacy Research UK will not make any grant to meet a tax liability, should tax be deemed payable.

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Section 7 – Declarations and Signatures We need signatures from you, your employer (if appropriate) confirming that you have study leave agreed and a confirmed supporting organisation/individual. We also require that the applicant provides declaration from their department or organisation confirming the work can be accommodated in the department and organisation.

For further details of local organisations that may be able to support your application for funding go to:

NIHR Research Design Services http://www.rds.nihr.ac.uk/ Links to Schools of Pharmacy can be found at: http://www.rpharms.com/what-qualifications-do-i-need-/where-can-i-study-.asp

7. The Selection Process The awarding of the Research Training Bursaries is undertaken by the Scientific Advisory

Panel, which is appointed by Pharmacy Research UK. Each application received will be

independently reviewed by two members of our Scientific Advisory Panel.

The Panel will normally comprise researchers drawn from within and outwith pharmacy and health services research. One or more Panel members will therefore be familiar with the areas of research and will be aware of any duplication. You will be expected to be aware of any other research currently being undertaken in the field. If your proposed research is similar to that being undertaken elsewhere, you will need to make a strong case for replication.

Applications will be judged against specific criteria:

Contribution to developing research capacity and capability

Suitability of training identified

Supervision/support arrangements

Appropriateness of the research area/question identified Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback on their application.

All short-listed Level 3 applicants will be invited to the RPS headquarters in London for a short interview (approx. half an hour), at their own expense, where they will be asked questions on their application.

The interviews for those short-listed for the 2015 Research Training Bursaries Level 3 will be held in London on the 11th and 12th July 2016.

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8. If Your Application Is Successful You will be asked to agree to the Pharmacy Research UK’s standard Terms and Conditions

which will detail the level of the award and payment schedule. Dates for submission of

interim and final reports will be agreed at the start of the project. All reports should be of a

publishable standard and will be the property of the Pharmacy Research UK.