Role purpose
Research champions work across their network acting as role models and activists to champion the active involvement of the workforce in research-related activities.
Job role
Optimally situated in health or social care services, the role is to reinforce the value and benefit of research to commissioners and providers. In particular:
- To be a connector, connecting locally and nationally to link existing and new communities of practice
- To support the local workforce to understand the alignment of national research and innovation strategies with regional and more local opportunities
- To promote research activity and research careers by sharing information through their networks
- To assist in identifying enablers to NHS and social care research capacity and capability
Skills and attributes of research champions
- To act as a role model, mentoring and leading by example
- Inspiring and encouraging of others
- Reflective, with a desire to support the career development of others
- To be able to develop good working relationships and communicate well virtually as well as in person
Likely benefit of being a research champion
- To be part of a regional initiative to raise the profile of aspiring individuals and support their development and visibility
- To be part of a research network of research champions
- Opportunities to work in partnership with other organisations and understand the bigger picture
- Improved insight into the research skills required to shape NIHR-funded or NIHR-supported research
- Enhance the post holders' personal network in support of their research career ambition
- Support evidence-based practice
- To obtain useful skills that can be applied to future career opportunities, role development of research funding application
- Provide increased visibility and reputation for the champions' employer (supporting service/organisation)