Research

Partnering with universities and other bodies to explore different aspects of substance misuse

Research Panel

EDP Drug & Alcohol Services (EDP) has a Best Practice Panel which explores research proposals. The Best Practice Panel prioritises research that helps to inform better practice for our staff and better outcomes for our service users.

A research approval and implementation pathway has been established allowing a panel of experts from across the organisation to consider research applications received.

The EDP Best Practice Panel reviews all research proposals that involves members of staff and our beneficiaries. You will need to submit a research proposal to the panel which meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Proposals should be received by the Friday before the week of the Best Practice Panel meeting at the latest

Fill out our research proposal submission, which helps us to understand the research imperative and methodology, who’s involved, what’s required of our staff and beneficiaries and assess the financial implications for the organisation.

Complete and sign the application form and send through to

Once you have submitted your application the Best Practice Panel will acknowledge receipt of your application within 10 working days. You will receive an email notification when the review is complete.

There are a number of factors that impact on the time taken to hear back from the Best Practice Panel about whether a study has been approved. These include the quality of the application, whether all the required information has been provided and the need to communicate within EDP about the study. Whilst the Panel meets monthly, it may be that a research protocol will not gain approval at the first review meeting and amendments will need to be made and submitted for a second review.

If you have any questions about the application form, process or any other aspect of your submission to us, please email