CRN Greater Manchester Core Team blog series: Assistant Research Delivery Managers
The Assistant Research Delivery Manager (ARDM) role is focused on the management of our 31 specialties, closely working alongside our local specialty leads to bring relevant research to our population. We work with researchers and delivery teams from grant stage application stage, right through to study closure.
Our ultimate aim is for all specialty portfolios to thrive, for the number of studies and participants recruited within the speciality to be maximised and the speciality to grow year on year. Within the role, therefore, we monitor performance, identifying areas requiring improvement and exploring opportunities for growth.
One of the ways in which we grow specialty areas is by approaching providers of services who are research-naive and unaware of the Clinical Research Network (CRN) and the work that we do. Recently we successfully identified and promoted a number of studies suitable for students in schools. Also in collaboration with the University of Manchester, we supported a researcher-led workshop inviting colleagues to initiate a community of practice for people undertaking research in the prison setting. We support portfolio research across communities including pharmacy and dental practice, and work with colleagues across public health, social care and charities.
As well as the day-to-day operations of supporting study delivery, we also work on a variety of different projects regionally and nationally, an example of which is the northern education and engagement event. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2022 (which focused on diabetes), we have continued to maintain connections and work alongside our CRN colleagues to continue the event annually. Here we focus on topics that are relevant to our northern population, host speakers to give accounts on up to date treatments and care pathways, and explore how research can support. One of the aims of the event is to engage and inspire current and future researchers, to bring more research opportunities to the north. Our next event will be based on cardiovascular disease and will take place on 14 February 2024.
In the role of ARDM we are able to support Continuous Improvement and Innovation across the whole team. A project to produce a book for children about research originated at a team meeting. The Ready for Research book was in collaboration with West Midlands CRN and author Alex Winstanley.
In summary, our work as ARDMs takes elements of each of the Study Supports Service’s ‘Plan, Place and Perform’ key areas. Whilst we continue to ensure that the recruitment data is up to date, we also look to identify and highlight innovative delivery pathways that research teams across Greater Manchester are initiating. This ensures appropriate context around any data that is reported.
How can you link in with us? Simply let us know of any conversations you have with new and/or experienced researchers or research teams. We’ll aim to support/signpost wherever we can.
Dayle Roberts, Danielle Wilcock, Emma Oughton and Holly Monaghan
Assistant Research Delivery Managers
CRN Greater Manchester
November 2023
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
