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Challenges encountered during the research process
It is inevitable in a large scale multi-centre programme of research such as this that in addition
to the added value of the pooled expertise of the collaborators, and the increased possibilities
for sampling, a number of challenges will be encountered. The most significant challenges and
the solutions adopted are outlined briefly below. Those associated with the design and analysis
stages are described in the relevant sections later in this report.
Initial delays in the contracts & appointments process
Unexpected delays were encountered in relation to the subcontracts set up between UWE (the
lead centre and central budget holder) and the Universities of Warwick, UCL, Sheffield &
Bradford. These delays meant that the appointments of the researchers at all sites were also
delayed. Dr. Antje Lindenmeyer began work in Warwick in July 2006, Dr. Sally Clarke
(Sheffield/Bradford) and Hayley James (UCL/Royal Free) took up their posts at the beginning of
October 2006.
This delay in the contracts process (and consequently in recruitment start-dates) meant that the
longitudinal element of Study 1 had to be shortened in order to fit the funding life of the project.
Data was collected at 9 month follow-up, instead of 12 months as originally planned.
Ethical and research governance approvals
As the Project Team realised that the ethical approvals would be complex and time consuming
in view of the large number of participating centres, the process of gaining approval was started
soon after confirmation of the award of the grant and prior to the appointment of Research
Associates and Research Assistants. Dr. Diana Harcourt (UWE, Bristol) led the process of
achieving the necessary ethical and research governance approvals for the project, with the
regional Principle Investigators completing site specific applications for ethics and governance
approvals. The approvals were achieved with only minor changes to protocols. Subsequent
delays were those inherent in the approvals process at that time. COREC approval for the first
two studies was achieved in May 2005, with subsequent LREC and local research governance
approvals achieved between November 2005 and October 2006. The vast majority of approvals
and of the honorary contracts, criminal records bureau checks necessary for all the researchers
were also achieved by this time.
Staffing
Dr. James Byron-Daniel (the Lead Researcher) applied for a lecturing post at UWE nine months
after the beginning of the project, and was appointed in September 2006. James subsequently
joined the UWE staff team involved in the project. Liz Payne (now Jenkinson), who was
originally the project administrator acted-up in the role of Lead Researcher, and following a
formal selection process, was appointed to the post in 2007. She has been supported by Emma
Williams and Eleanor Walsh in an administrative capacity. The handover in responsibilities was
smooth, and the team was fortunate that Liz was over qualified for her initial role. Liz
established excellent relationships with the researchers appointed to the other centres, and her
performance in this role has been key in the success of the project. The collaboration was also
fortunate in relation to its other research associates and research administrators, and great
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