Allocation of PA funding for clinicians
Date: 23 October 2026
In support of consistent and effective research delivery, we are pleased to share this statement outlining the framework for NIHR RDN funding of clinicians’ Programmed Activity (PAs), ensuring transparency and supporting effective resource planning.
The RDN has shifted from 15 regional funding distribution models to a single, consistent national framework, and therefore moved toward a more transparent and equitable system. This transition streamlines the processes and removes the need for individual regional decisions and bespoke agreements to fund staff posts for research delivery, providing greater clarity for all stakeholders.
With regards to the funding of clinicians’ PAs, currently the NIHR RDN provides direct funding for PAs under four circumstances (figure 1):
1. Research Delivery Funding:
a. Wider care settings, including Primary Care Organisations, and Community Trusts, may use some of their RDN funding allocation to support clinician time where this is necessary to enable or facilitate research delivery.
b. NHS Trusts: Delivery Organisations may use a proportion of their RDN funding allocation to support clinician PAs for research delivery.
2. National and Regional Strategic Projects1: PA funding is allowable under strategic funding calls as part of project funding, e.g., to provide time specifically for leading or participating in the approved project. This funding will cover the period outlined in the application and will stop at the agreed project end date. Strategic funding for projects is awarded on an annual basis, the Regional Strategic Funding call is open to all
1 The PI Development theme for the 27/28 National Strategic Funding call falls under this circumstance
Delivery Organisations to apply for. Projects that solely request PA funding without a suitable project attached will be rejected.
Other strategic initiatives will be led directly from the RDN and may include PA funding where needed.
3. National and Regional RDN Specialty and Setting Leadership: Clinicians appointed as National or Regional Specialty or Setting Leads have their time funded to enable them to undertake this role on behalf of the RDN. These roles are for an agreed period of time and PA funding will stop at the agreed end date.
4. Nationwide support services: RDN directly funds these services which may from time to time include a PA allocation to support their operation. These services are managed via the RDN Coordinating Centre and in agreement with DHSC. Examples include the Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) service and the Research Informatics & Digital Environment Solutions (PRIDES) Coordinating Hub.
Figure 1: Summary of the circumstances under which RDN funds are used for clinical PA support
At all times, the use of RDN funding must demonstrate value for money, be proportional to the research delivery activity being supported, and have a clear link to expected and demonstrable successful research delivery of RDN portfolio studies. Decisions should take account of whether PA funding represents the most effective use of the RDN allocation compared with alternative ways of funding research delivery posts.