Navigating research governance and ethics processes for adult social care research: a barrier and mechanism for research capacity development

UK funding for adult social care research has increased considerably in the last 5 years, reflecting the strategic goals of the government and social care organisations to develop research capacity in this area. Research studies are reviewed by national and university committees to assess ethical delivery and ensure good governance. This paper reports on the experience of navigating governance and ethics approval processes in England as part of a feasibility and evaluation study, including four nested primary research projects, concerned with developing adult social care research capacity. Qualitative data from reflexive diaries and semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically to explore participants’ experience with research governance processes. Findings identified inconsistencies in local research governance infrastructure, knowledge gaps on ethics and governance guidelines, and insufficient capacity within both national and local research governance committees. National research governance processes remain incongruous with the research ethics and governance needs of adult social care research. We highlight the consequences of this situation for research capacity development and suggest using this lens to enhance the connection between national and local research governance and invest in close partnering with adult social care services to enable reciprocal learning about the delivery of high-quality research and the needs of adult social care.