How to Set Up a GP Clinical Trial Site

Is Your Practice Ready?

Before applying for studies, assess your baseline. A research-ready practice typically has a named clinical research lead (usually a GP), at least one member of staff with GCP training, dedicated time allocated for research activity, and the willingness to engage with research governance processes.

• Named GP willing to act as Principal Investigator
• Dedicated research lead or coordinator (can be part-time initially)
• Practice agreement to participate in research
• Access to EMIS Web or SystmOne with research coding capability
• Suitable space for research consultations (can share clinical rooms)

Step 1: Complete GCP Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training is the foundation of all research delivery. It is free, online, and available via NIHR Learn. All clinical staff who will have direct involvement in research — including GPs acting as PIs, research nurses, and coordinators — must complete it before engaging in research activity. GCP training requires annual renewal.

Step 2: Register with Your Regional Research Delivery Network

England's 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) coordinate NIHR portfolio research in their areas. Registering with your RRDN puts your practice on the map for study allocation and connects you with local research support, training and funding opportunities.

Step 3: Apply for RCGP Research Ready® Accreditation

RCGP Research Ready® accreditation demonstrates that your practice has the infrastructure, governance and culture to deliver research safely. It is increasingly expected by commercial sponsors and earns additional NIHR payments for each study you support. The accreditation process involves a self-assessment and evidence submission reviewed by the RCGP.

Step 4: Register for NIHR Wider Care Settings Funding

The NIHR Wider Care Settings Funding is an annual funding stream offering GP practices infrastructure support to deliver research. The 2026/27 application round is now closed, but it is not too late to prepare for 2027/28. Contact your Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) now to register your interest and get on their radar. Delivering even one or two NIHR portfolio studies this year significantly strengthens your application for next year's round. Funding bands range from around £15,000 for practices new to research up to £100,000 for established research sites.

Separately, NIHR has just announced a major £47.8m Capital Investment Fund — with 60% going to primary care organisations — for equipment including diagnostic kits, ECG machines, spirometers and mobile research vans. Read our analysis of what this means for GP practices →

Step 5: Deliver Your First Study

Start with an NIHR portfolio study — ideally an observational or low-interventional study — to build experience, confidence and a track record. This proves to commercial sponsors that your site can deliver.

Step 6: Join a Network

Joining an established network like PCRA gives immediate access to a portfolio of commercial studies, expert PI and regulatory support, and the infrastructure of an organised network partner. Sponsors prefer to work with networks rather than individual practices because it reduces their site management burden significantly.

Income Streams Available

• NIHR Service Support Costs (SSC) — paid per recruited participant on portfolio studies
• NIHR infrastructure funding — annual grant for research-active practices
• Commercial trial fees — negotiated per-patient fees for industry-sponsored studies, typically significantly higher than NIHR SSC rates
• Service evaluation fees — paid by sponsors for in-service evaluations, no REC required