Welcome to my November blog in which this month, I’d like to focus on research and innovation. With so much pressure on our NHS and social care, it is absolutely essential that we keep innovating and evolving. And when we try new things, we must plan and evaluate them properly so that we truly learn, improve and grow. So, research and innovation are not optional extras—they are fundamental tools for transforming the way we deliver care. Across Norfolk and Waveney, and increasingly across Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE), we are seeing how research strengthens clinical practice, improves outcomes and empowers our workforce. It is becoming a defining feature of how our Integrated Care System (ICS) works, not an activity that happens elsewhere. 

A Research Culture Rooted in Our Communities 

Our ICS Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy is built on four principles: 

1. Focused on our communities 
2. Driven by a confident and capable workforce 
3. Coordinated and collaborative 
4. Embedded in everything we do 

These principles shape the work of our R&I team, whose expertise spans the entire research pathway, from early ideas to implementing innovations in frontline care. 

A major achievement has been the development of community research hubs through the NHSE Research Engagement Network (REN). Working with voluntary and community sector partners, hubs are now forming in Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Thetford and Norwich. Each is led by local organisations, helping residents learn about and join research studies and widening participation among groups historically underrepresented in research. 

The approach is mirrored in SNEE, where the Community Voices in Research programme is helping underserved groups inform how research is designed and delivered. 

Primary Care at the Heart of Research 

The benefits of research-active general practice are well documented: improved patient outcomes, enhanced staff satisfaction, and a culture of continuous learning. Our practices continue to demonstrate outstanding performance. 

• Norfolk and Waveney recruited 18,646 research participants over the last three years, the highest of any ICB in the East of England. 
• SNEE recruited 10,292 participants, ranking third regionally. 
• Research engagement is expanding, not only in academic research but also in commercial trials. 

Commercial research—central to the UK’s ambition to be a global leader—has grown significantly. In Norfolk and Waveney, participation has increased from one study with five participants in 2022–23 to seven studies with 140 participants in 2024–25, with more practices preparing to join. 

A major milestone this year is the establishment of the Breckland Alliance Primary Care Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC)—one of only 14 in England—based at Grove Surgery in Thetford. The CRDC will expand access to cutting-edge medicines and vaccines and prioritise rural, coastal and underserved communities. Flexible models such as eConsent, evening clinics and home visits will reduce barriers to taking part in clinical research. 

Investing in a Skilled and Confident Workforce 

Research Capability Funding (RCF) continues to be a critical enabler.

In Norfolk and Waveney: 

• £100k funded 13 awards in 2024–25, with a further £80k allocated for 2025–26 at PCN level. 
• This investment has upskilled teams, strengthened infrastructure, revitalised commercial research engagement, and supported training for future research leaders. 

In SNEE: 

• £61k of RCF has been invested in general practice and community pharmacy for  research training, patient engagement and network development. 

Across both systems, RCF funding is helping practices make research a routine part of clinical care. 

Local Delivery, National Influence 

Our cross-ICB approach to primary care research governance—led jointly with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough—is recognised nationally as an exemplar. The team contributes to national policy and governance work through DHSC, NHS England, the Health Research Authority, the Research and Development Forum and UKRD Leaders forums. 

Norfolk and Waveney also supported the development and subsequent hosting of 16 active NIHR research grants worth almost £19m, focusing on out-of-hospital care, medication adherence, dementia support and deprescribing—areas that directly benefit our communities. 

Looking Ahead 

As we transition toward neighbourhood models of care, our focus will remain on expanding research opportunities across more care settings, including pharmacy, optometry and dentistry. The momentum across our system shows that research is no longer optional: it is integral to delivering excellent care, improving health outcomes and strengthening our workforce. 

A Personal Thank You

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our R&I team. Their passion, leadership and unwavering dedication to raising the profile of research across our system are transforming what is possible. It’s important for us all to acknowledge their work ensures that research is visible, valued and embedded in everything we do.

Warm regards,

Frankie