Guidance & examples
Further information about some of the headings used in the London RGF Common Proposal Form and some
examples are presented below. The information provided is intended to be indicative and not exhaustive.
Title of Research Study: this must be the title you use when making contact with service users/participants
as well as when publishing the research results.
Background: What are the aims and objectives of the research as well as a brief description of the rationale
for the study with regard to the policy context, statutory requirements etc.This should include what the main
question to be answered is, what other projects/studies have been carried out in this area, (if any) and how
your research will add to any previous work undertaken.
Lead Researcher/ Project Leader: this is usually the head of the Research Team or the main researcher
who is responsible for the project
Internal Research Sponsor: this will usually be a Service Manager/Line manager/Supervisor who has agreed
to the research project. This person has the internal responsibility for ensuring that the research is
progressing as planned and service users are safeguarded.
Research Commissioner/Funder: this refers to the organisation funding or responsible for commissioning
the research.
Who will be Involved: You are required to provide details of the participants who will be involved in the
research study such as service users, children in need, adults with disabilities, older people, residents,
voluntary sector organisations.
Sampling and sample size: The sample is the target population of the research. It reflects the
characteristics of the population from which it is drawn.
The Data Protection Act: the act gives individuals the right to know what information is held about them.
It works in two ways; firstly, it states that anyone who processes personal information must comply with eight
principles, that personal information is:
Fairly and lawfully processed
Processed for limited purposes
Adequate, relevant and not excessive
Accurate and up to date
Not kept for longer than is necessary
Processed in line with your rights
Secure
Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection
The second area covered by the Act provides individuals with a wide range of important rights, including the
right to know what is held and of access to their personal information held on computer and most paper
records as well as compensation and the prevention of processing.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check: The aim of the CRB check is to verify the background of
applicants to ensure that they do not have a history that would make them unsuitable to work with children,
vulnerable adults or other vulnerable members of society. The check will provide details of a person's criminal