About The Project


The DRIVE project aim was to optimise research delivery by understanding the differences in working practices and identifying ways to reduce those variations where appropriate and possible.  

By standardising key tasks and processes for research study set up and delivery, this was an opportunity to introduce consistent simplified ways of working and provide constructive options to improve delivery performance.

A unique feature of the DRIVE project was the harnessing of the right expertise from a range of NHS and academic organisations to make this initiative a true collaboration with a shared commitment to support and deliver high quality clinical research for the benefit of patients and the effective use of NHS resources.

Our project consultation and engagement identified what helps and hinders local clinical research delivery at grass roots level.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula (CRN: SWP) and the South West Academic Health Science Network (SWAHSN)  took the lead for the development of this project.

A Project Management Group was established in June 2014 to provide oversight and strategic and operational delivery with a clear remit to consult on proposals with Divisional Clinical Leads, Specialty Leads, Lead Research Nurses and the Research & Development Management community. Partner NHS organisations within the footprint of the CRN and AHSN geography provided a significant and valuable contribution to the scoping, review and implementation phases and will continue to work with the Project Management Group in the final assessment phase. Project Management was provided by Scala Consultancy Ltd.