Congratulations to Dr Lucy Speakman, Clinical Lead Nurse for Research Engagement, and Professor Benita Olivier, Allied Health Professionals Research Lead, who have been selected for Cohort 4 of the NIHR Senior Research Leader (SRL) Programme.

The national programme supports senior nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to develop as research leaders, helping to strengthen research capacity and capability across organisations and drive improvements in health and social care. Participants are supported to lead and influence research activity, foster collaboration, and embed a more research-active culture within their organisations.

Lucy and Benita join a national cohort of experienced leaders recognised for their impact and potential to shape the future of healthcare research. The programme provides dedicated time and support over three years, enabling participants to build networks, share learning, and lead initiatives that benefit both staff and patients.

Their selection reflects a strong and sustained commitment to embedding research across Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Through a range of initiatives, including the Research Champions programme, they are supporting colleagues to build confidence, develop skills, and integrate research into everyday clinical practice. This work is helping to make research more visible, accessible and relevant to staff in a wide range of roles.

Alongside this, they are leading practical sessions to support staff in developing meaningful research objectives within their Personal Development Reviews (PDRs). These sessions focus on exploring what involvement in research can look like in practice and supporting staff to set realistic, achievable goals with their line managers.

They are also progressing a service evaluation to better understand staff research skills, training needs and ambitions. The insights from this work will help shape future development opportunities and ensure that research is embedded in a way that supports both the workforce and improved patient care.

Together, these initiatives are contributing to a stronger, more inclusive research culture across the Trust.

Professor Benita Olivier said: “This programme is an opportunity to strengthen the systems that support research in practice, building the confidence, capability and collaboration we need to make research part of everyday care.”

Dr Lucy Speakman said: “Research should feel achievable and relevant to everyone. By supporting staff to get involved in ways that work for them, we can improve care and create more opportunities for colleagues to get involved.”