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.
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.
Monitoring
Monitoring is an essential element of trial management to ensure data integrity and patient safety and to evidence regulatory compliance. However, although it has been carried out in trials for decades, there is little published guidance on how to undertake it in an efficient and risk proportionate way. This Group will work to develop good practice guidance, and facilitate the sharing of good practice activities and documents across the CTU Network.
Monitoring Task & Finish Group Terms of Reference
Current Monitoring Working Groups
Membership
Sharon Love – MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Andrea Corkhill – Southampton Clinical Trials Unit
Carrie Bayliss – Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit
Jo Grumett – Warwick Clinical Trials Unit
Krista Wills – CR UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre
Patricia Rafferty – Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit
Melanie Boulter – Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit
Lisa Fox – The Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit
Catherine Hewitt – York Trials Unit
Claire Johnson – Centre for Trials Research
Emma Ogburn – Oxford Primary Care & Vaccines Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit
Amanda Bravery – Imperial Clinical Trials Unit
Participant Data Sharing
Sharing data from publically funded research ensures valuable research outputs can be used more widely for the benefit of patients and the public. The UKCRC Registered CTU Network supports the sharing of clinical trials data with trusted partners for further ethical research purposes. This group will facilitate the development and implementation of good practice in relation to the sharing of research data through the provision of peer-to-peer support, written guidance, and training events.
Participant Data Sharing Task & Finish Group Terms of Reference
Membership
Catrin Tudur Smith (Chair) – Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre
Nicola Howe – Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit
Matt Sydes – MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL
Kate Fenton – NIHR
Carrol Gamble – Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre
Steff Lewis – Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit
Sally Kerry – Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit
This Group also includes two patient representatives.
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.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Task & Finish Group Terms of Reference
Membership
Delia Muir – Leeds Clinical Trials Research Unit
Caroline Rick – Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit
Kym Carter – Swansea Trials Unit
Laura Mader – 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
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. Activities are currently being undertaken collaboratively with the UK Trial Managers Network in relation to recruitment and retention.
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
Nicky Perry – Brighton & Sussex 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
Amanda Bravery – Imperial Clinical Trials Unit
Lucy Culliford – Bristol Trials Centre
Claire Snowdon – Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit
