5.7. R&D Pay Panel, chaired by CMO, was established from August 2025 as a new, discrete pathway specifically to review requests relating to fully externally-funded research posts, which are not included in the Trust headcount.

5.8. R&D Committee, chaired by Director of R&D, established from March 2026, along with 14 Research Delivery Groups (RDGs).

The establishment of a Trust R&D Committee was a key recommendation of the BDO internal audit of R&D in 2024-25 and received approval from the Trust Management Executive in August 2025. Its purpose is to provide assurance and strategic oversight of research governance, performance, and delivery across the Trust, ensuring research is safe, compliant, high-performing, and aligned to organisational goals

5.9. As described in more detail in Section 10.11, OUH has moved to automatic acceptance of the National Contract Value Review (NCVR) of commercial studies. This means the Trust no longer reviews individual study budgets received for commercial studies that have been agreed between the Sponsor and the lead NHS site under the NCVR process. This change was approved by TME in June 2026 and reflects a commitment to reduce research administration and improve study set up performance.

5.10. A working group led by the CMO has identified issues and opportunities to improve joint working between the Oxford Joint Research Office (JRO) partner organisations, especially with regards to expediting study set-up. A programme of work has been initiated, led by the Chief Operating Officer, Oxford Academic Health Partners (OAHP).

5.11. A workshop of key stakeholders from all for partner organisations in the JRO in March 2026 identified several priority areas. An action plan has been prepared and funding secured from the RRDN to cover the costs of appointing a dedicated full time ‘JRO Transformation Lead’ for six months, from June 2026, to drive this forward.