Clinical Research Practitioners
Clinical Research Practitioners (CRPs) are crucial to delivering clinical research that is transforming treatment in the NHS and the care we receive. CRPs bring a wealth of research knowledge and expertise to research delivery teams, working alongside nurses and others to deliver safe, ethical and high quality clinical research care.
Clinical Research Practitioners
Who are Clinical Research Practitioners?
CRPs are working in research delivery roles that involve direct contact with patients or other study participants. CRPs are now identified as an occupational group in health and care in the UK by the UK Professional Standards Authority (PSA). The PSA is the body that sets the standards for accredited registers of people who work in health and social care. In April 2020, accredited registration for CRPs was approved by the PSA as part of the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) Accredited Register.
CRP Register: Accessing Professional Status
PSA accredited registers are supported by NHS employers as the mechanism by which standards are set for practitioners working in health and care occupations that are not regulated by law. The CRP Accredited Register opened in April 2021 for experienced practitioners who have developed their skills and knowledge within an agreed Scope of Practice and can demonstrate that their individual practice meets the Standards of Proficiency for Clinical Research Practitioners.
Why should I start my CRP register application?
Demonstrate your proficiency. Be accountable. Develop professionally
- Be recognised as an autonomous, skilled professional
- Offer assurance and accountability to participants, teams and employers
- Raise the profile of the CRP role and professional practice
- Help shape clearer career pathways for your profession
“Being a CRP within an established research team is vital to bringing a new innovative wave to the clinical research workforce. CRP Registration is a welcome initiative that places CRPs on the same pedestal as other recognised professionals. Being registered offers many benefits, professionally and personally. Additionally, it allows demonstration of competence, thereby boosting the confidence of working to agreed standards. But most importantly, being registered makes one proud of the achievement.”
Ibiyemi Sadare, Clinical Research Practitioner
Guidance and information on starting your application can be found on the CRP website.
Support your colleagues to receive accredited registration
CRPs play a vital role within the research delivery workforce and growing this profession is not possible without the support of colleagues and managers. Guidance for applicants and their managers is available on the CRP website.
"As the demand for good experienced research staff is ever increasing and the nursing workforce gets smaller it is sensible to recognise the essential support Clinical Research Practitioners give the research workforce. They have the expertise, skills and knowledge to allow them to work on many different types of research studies when previously, it had been thought only a nurse would do. Supporting this vital workforce to become a registered profession will ensure that the skill mix in research continues to grow. "
Sue Rigby, Research Nurse Matron
CRP Directory: A Community of Practice
The CRP Directory, launched in September 2018 by the AHCS, serves as a foundational platform for the development of the CRP community of practice. This community has now grown to a membership of over 1000 CRPs and all are playing a part in shaping the professional identity of CRPs.
Why should I join the CRP Directory?
Get connected. Stay updated. Shape your profession
- The CRP Directory also serves as a pre-registration space for those who have set an intention to join the CRP Accredited Register.
- Joining the CRP Directory can enable access to learning resources and events and for support with taking the opportunity for self-led continuing professional development.
The CRP Directory is open those who are:
- in a research delivery role involving direct contact with patients and activities in clinical environments or other health and social care research settings
- not currently registered with a healthcare profession
- applying to join the CRP Register
- professionally registered as a CRP
Join our growing community
- Apply to join the CRP Directory
- NIHR contact: workforceandprofessionscrn@nihr.ac.uk
- AHCS contact: crpadmin@ahcs.ac.uk