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ECR Development Pathway NIHR CRN NWC & GM

The award-winning NIHR CRN Early Career Researcher Development Pathway is a 12-month programme designed for health and social care professionals in the North West Coast and Greater Manchester regions.

The programme is open to various professionals, including nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, scientists, and others within and outside hospital settings.

Applicants should have a strong interest in health and social care research and aspire to become research leaders.

The programme is a Level 7, 20 credit module within the University of Liverpool. The programme includes 10 one day workshops delivered over 10 months, along with monthly group coaching sessions. It adopts a blended learning approach, including assignments, homework, mentoring, and workshops.

The programme is led by NHS Research and Development North West, in collaboration with local CRN teams, leadership coaches, organizational development experts, facilitators, and variety of visiting speakers throughout.

Programme Highlights

  • Provide an understanding of research in health and social care, its policy context, and value regionally and nationally.
  • Familiarize participants with the role of NIHR local Clinical Research Networks (CRNs) and patient and organization involvement in research.
  • Introduce the knowledge, skills, and methodologies required for conducting and leading research.
  • Equip participants to engage and influence others to maximize the impact of research.
  • Foster leadership in research and develop personal qualities for effective research.
  • Ensure participants understand research standards, requirements, and professionalism.
  • Help identify and fulfill personal development needs and learning outcomes.
  • Create a network to support research leadership development.
  • Engage with Principal and Chief Investigators in the region.
  • Develop reflective practice skills and formulate a 3-5 year career plan for research leadership.

Who it is for

  • Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, Mental Health Professionals, Care Workers, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Scientists and Other health and social care professionals working both within and outside of the hospital setting.
  • These individuals must be based in the North West Coast and Greater Manchester regions and possess a strong interest in health and social care research with the ambition to become research leaders.

Testimonials

“The ECR programme has given me more both professionally and personally than I could have envisaged. I especially enjoyed having time to learn and reflect on my personality and how this influences my working relationships, the limitations I impose on myself, and ultimately the impact on future opportunities, and personal and professional development. The programme has opened the door to a research world of warmth, encouragement, knowledge, and skills. I now feel confident in moving forward
with my 5-year research career plan as part of my clinical role, with a growing network of support around me.” – Participant 2022

“The course has been a fantastic learning experience and I would totally recommend it to others who may be interested in a career in research. The ECR programme gave me the opportunity to develop my reflective, creative, and leadership skills, but also to learn more about the world of research and possible career pathways for NHS professionals. By supporting me to develop a practical plan for my future, the course has helped me to increase my confidence in taking my next steps as a researcher.” – Participant 2022

How to apply

We are not currently advertising for a new cohort. Stay tuned on when we open again for applications!

View the program outline and eligibility criteria
Download the Application Pack

Additional Details

For more information of previous cohorts, evaluations and feedback please visit the ECR Pathway Archive.

If you have any questions or need further assistance. please contact leanne.gregory@researchnorthwest.nhs.uk