RDaSH Research Team become first to receive high-level accreditation

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) has become the first NHS Trust to achieve WQA Gold Standard Accreditation.

The Grounded Research Team at RDaSH has been accredited the highest level of International Accrediting Organisation for Clinical Research (IAOCR) Workforce Quality Accreditation (WQA) for Clinical Research Sites, which is awarded to an organisation that works consistently to the highest standards throughout the entire workforce.

The assessment, which was funded by the CRN Yorkshire & Humber as part of strategic pilot, demonstrated that the research team possesses fantastic workforce quality processes, with the assessment also focusing on organisation competence standards, staff engagement, and mental health and wellbeing.

The WQA accreditation was selected as the assessment of choice by the team because it is the only framework focused on independently determining whether a clinical research organisation has meticulous and diligent processes in place to ensure a positive culture for staff, while providing reassurance that clinical trial participants are in safe hands

“We are thrilled to have achieved the gold award! It has been such a positive experience working with the IAOCR team” explains Jodie Keyworth, Head of Business Development, Grounded Research.

“Having the quality of our workforce and processes externally assessed is really important to us – it’s vital that we are open and that we hold ourselves up to scrutiny. We really wanted to show the positive culture at Grounded Research to the wider clinical research community – this Gold Accreditation award will help us do that, as well as recognising all the hard work and dedication of our team.

“Finally, the IAOCR process showed us the areas where we have the opportunity to improve – I know our team are keen to accomplish this so we can remain a provider of high-quality research for all of our communities and can continue to make a real difference to patients’ lives.”

The assessment process took three months and involved an in-depth analysis of the processes, plans and culture that Grounded Research operates within.

WQA was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders from organisations within the clinical research industry to help address the clinical research talent crisis and create a ‘workforce of excellence’ for the industry.

“From start to finish of the assessment process, RDaSH was very impressive and clearly operating at an excellent standard. There was a clear commitment to demonstrate the high-quality processes, standards and competent workforce,” summarises Jacqueline Johnson North, CEO, IAOCR.

To learn more about the Grounded Research team and portfolio please visit: rdash.nhs.uk/about-us/grounded-research or call 03000 212 456.