Our Task and Finish Groups are time-limited and lead topical work programmes relating to efficient trial conduct, good research practice, quality standards, and the capacity and sustainability of non-commercial CTUs.
Our current Groups include: Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, Staff Development and Sustainability and Smarter Working (info soon). Previous groups included Participant Data Sharing, Insurance, Industry and many others.
Their deliverables are agreed with the UKCRC CTU Executive Group and underpinned by a set of Terms of Reference which are specific to each Group.
Groups sometimes set up sub- or working groups to deal with specific short-term projects such as the development of a discrete piece of guidance. You can find out a bit more about the currently active groups via the links below.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
Patient and public involvement and engagement in the design and planning of research improves the quality and relevance of clinical research. CTUs must work collaboratively to develop and share best practice and make the best use of the limited resources available. This group will identify and develop resources to help member CTUs to effectively involve and engage patients and the public in their work.
Membership
Delia Muir – Leeds Clinical Trials Research Unit
Caroline Rick – Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit
Laura Cowley – Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit
Claire Vale – MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Tracy Ibbotson – Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit
Christine Mills – Papworth Clinical Trials Unit
Karen Turner – Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit
Sally Hopewell – Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit
Laura Farrelly – MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Andrea Harkin – CaCTUS
This Group also involves patient representatives.
Staff Development & Sustainability
Clinical Trials Units have demonstrated their effectiveness as centres of trials excellence. Building the strength, stability, and sustainability of member units is important in ensuring that they are able to continue to deliver high-quality non-commercial clinical trials research in the UK both now, and in the future. Well-trained and appropriately developed staff are key to this endeavour. This group will identify recommendations around staff training, development and retention to ensure registered CTUs have, and keep the best staff. This group will also focus activities on promoting careers in clinical trials to ensure that registered CTUs are recruiting and developing the excellent trialists of the future. Some activities are being undertaken collaboratively with the UK Trial Managers Network in relation to recruitment and retention.
Membership
Fiona Hogarth – Tayside Clinical Trials Unit
Caroline Murphy – King’s Clinical Trials Unit
Matthew Hammond – Norwich Clinical Trials Unit
Helen Hancock – Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit
Victoria Allgar – Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit
Rhian Gabe – Barts Clinical Trials Unit
Gina Cranswick – Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit
Helen Hickey – Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre
Melanie Ferrao – MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Kayleigh Stanbury – National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit
Lucy Culliford – Bristol Trials Centre
Claire Snowdon – Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit
Eleanor Mitchell – UK Trial Managers’ Network
Smarter Working
Membership
Abby O’Connell – Exeter Clinical Trials Unit
Sarah Baos – Bristol Trials Centre
Keira Fines – Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit
Jacqueline Gourlay – Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit
Heather Barclay – Tayside Medical Science Centre
Judith Cohen – Hull Health Trials Unit
Bronwen Williams – Hull health Trials Unit
Marc Jones – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Hannah Berntsson – Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit
Katie Wilkinson – The Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit
Lisa Fox – The Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit
Pamela Whittaker – Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit
Carrie Bayliss – Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit
Emma Laing – Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Clinical Trials Unit
