Case study: Celebrating registered Clinical Research Practitioners in the West of England

Clinical Research Practitioners (CRPs) play a valuable part in the delivery of high quality research in a variety of settings. To recognise the skills and experience that CRPs bring to their roles, the Academy for Healthcare Science launched an accredited register in 2021 for CRPs who meet the standards of proficiency. 

At the CRN West of England, we’re committed to promoting and supporting CRP registration across the region, working to support the local needs of CRPs and their managers through tailored workshops, 1:1 and team discussions, and sharing of best practice. We’ve been delighted to see our numbers of registered CRPs growing across the region throughout the year, and we’re proud to be building  a thriving community of registered CRPs who can help to champion the importance of registration for CRP roles. 

We reached out to some of our registered CRPs to learn more about what motivated them to join the register, and why it’s important to them and the CRP profession as a whole:

“For me, becoming a registered CRP meant I could easily demonstrate my development as a research professional. I saw it as something that would allow me to evidence my skills and capabilities, which was useful not only for building relationships in my current role, but also when looking towards my career development.
Since becoming accredited, I have felt better able to advocate for my own capabilities and that of my CRP colleagues. The register has felt like an important step in empowering the profession and gaining more understanding and recognition.” Zoe Lampshire, Senior Clinical Research Practitioner and CRN WE CRP Engagement Lead, CRN West of England

“As soon as I discovered the CRP role in 2010 I knew it was the next step for me. 13 years later, it is a profession I am proud to be part of. Unfortunately I still hear that it’s a profession that is often not recognised or promoted as a future career option so I was committed to becoming registered and increasing  understanding of the profession. 

Shortly after my registration came through, I attended a local research showcase with many clinicians and professions in attendance. While meeting people from other professions I quickly realised that I was able to explain my role with better confidence and clarity as I was able to say that CRP roles have an accredited register, and I am on it. In the past year we have had some events in our Trust Research Department to discuss the register and this has led to greater recognition for the profession amongst other research professionals in the Department.” - Vicky Page, Clinical Research Practitioner, Royal United Hospitals Bath

“I wanted to become an accredited CRP so that my portfolio of skills and experience is easily communicated and recognised wherever I work. Becoming an accredited CRP seemed daunting at first but the process was easily tied into my practice, and the acknowledgement of our contribution and value to research is invaluable. 

Since achieving my CRP accreditation I have found my colleagues placing a trust in my independence as a practitioner. I am implicitly trusted to carry out my responsibilities and have a foundation for confidence in my practice.”  - Andrew Harris, Clinical Research Practitioner, CRN West of England

“I think registration was important for me to trust in my own experience,  even when working in complex areas.  It also supported me to gain a promotion into the Early Phase research team, knowing I was hitting the requirements for a confident and able CRP.” - Sophie Allen, Early Phase Clinical Research Practitioner, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston

As we continue to grow our community of registered CRPs, we’ll also be sharing some top tips from our CRPs on how they approached the accreditation process, and advice for those who are considering registering. To learn more about how CRN West of England’s Workforce Development Lead and CRP Engagement Lead can support CRPs looking to join the accredited register, get in touch.