Adoption onto the portfolio has a number of benefits for researchers, such as help in identifying potential research sites, access to patients and the public to carry out ‘PPI‘ and advice on recruitment strategy at any point during the study. The CRN offers support to researchers via their Study Support Service and likewise via each portfolio manager and their team.

You can see a breakdown of each portfolio here on our local Clinical Research Network’s page (CRN Wessex).

Portfolio adoption is usually vital to participating NHS Trusts when considering the research studies they wish to undertake, as they are reimbursed for the resource given to conduct the study (e.g. research nurse support, data manager time).

Non-commercial studies that do not require Health Research Authority Approval (i.e. those taking place in public health and social care settings) should apply for CRN support via the Non-commercial Portfolio Application service in CPMS. 

In order to use the Non-commercial Portfolio Application service, you must first create an account in CPMS. Find out how to create an account and log in to CPMS here.

Before starting your application, it is expected that you will have:

  • Discussed your study with your local CRN (Wessex), through the NIHR early contact and engagement service
  • Confirmed the sponsorship arrangements for your study
  • Secured full research funding for your study, in line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s AcoRD policy

You should submit your application as soon as you have secured full research funding for your study, in line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Attributing the costs of health and social care research (AcoRD) policy. There is no need to wait until you are ready to apply for ethical and regulatory approvals.

To complete your application you will need to provide a copy of your study protocol and evidence of the research funding you have secured so have these ready before starting your application.

Once we receive your application it will be reviewed against the Department of Health and Social Care’s Eligibility Criteria (.PDF), and you will be notified of the outcome via email.

Further guidance on how to apply for NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) support through the Non-commercial Portfolio Application service is available on NIHR Learn. A supporting video is also available on the NIHR Youtube channel.