As the number of clinically based researchers within the NHS is increasing there is a need to ensure that research career progression is integrated into the PDP process alongside the development of clinical skills. One of the challenges to achieving this is the need for clinical team leaders and managers to develop an understanding of the skills researchers need to acquire at different stages of their career development.
VITAE has, at a national level, undertaken significant work to develop the Researcher Development Framework (http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/429351/Introducing-the-Researcher-Development-Framework.html) as a tool which can be used on an individual or organisational basis to inform the PDP process.
We are bringing together representatives from key networks and stakeholder groups within the North West to meet with representatives from VITAE to explore the RDFs potential use within the NHS.