The Research Champions Programme is a collaboration between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and CHSS. It provides students with an opportunity to develop their own evidence based practice, identify recommendations for clinical practice and/or service improvement, and highlight areas for future research.
“I found the Research Champions course transformative. This programme refreshed and reshaped my approach to research. It has had a positive impact within my professional team and provided tools, insights and confidence to see research as an integral part of professional growth and excellence.
I now feel equipped to take on more ambitious projects, potentially contributing to the broader academic and professional landscape in meaningful ways. Research Champions is more than a learning experience – it’s a catalyst for cultural change within professional practice. For anyone looking to enhance their research confidence and inspire similar growth within their team, I cannot recommend this course highly enough.”
2024 student
There are 10 places for KCHFT staff and 6 for local participating organisations. Backfill costs are provided by the employing organisation to enable Champions to study approximately two days/month over the academic year. The programme is suitable to those who want to increase their skills in addressing clinical practice questions, aligned to organisational/clinical priorities. Applicants must:
- be a health or social care professional employed in a clinical, patient-facing role
- have an employment contract with the employing organisation for the programme’s duration
Champions undertake a variety of workshops and research experience opportunities with support from an academic supervisor and clinical mentor. Champions can choose to apply for 15 Level 7 (Masters) credits by submitting a literature review and poster abstract.
Previous Champions have gone on to complete master’s degrees, NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic Programme internships, submit funding bids and present their work at both local and national conferences.
For further information email:
Dr V Abrahamson, CHSS, University of Kent, or
Dr Daniel Da Costa, Research Facilitator, KCHFT
Further information on KCHFT research activities:
Research | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (kentcht.nhs.uk)