Background The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines research governance as ‘the broad range of regulations, principles and standards of good practice that ensure high quality research’ (Jonsson, Bouvy. NICE Research Governance Policy [internet]. 2022). Research active hospices (Payne, Preston, Turner, et al. Research in palliative care: can hospices afford not to be involved? A report for the Commission into the Future of Hospice Care. Help the Hospices, 2013) should comply with governance processes as per the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research (Health Research Authority. UK Policy framework for health and social care research [internet]. Health Research Authority. 2023). A grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) was awarded to our team to support the pilot of a regional hospice research governance role.

Aims Identify existing research activity and governance processes; support development of robust research governance; identify mechanisms for ongoing research activity and governance support and impact assessment.

Methods 18 hospices in our region were invited to participate. Data collection included an online questionnaire (assessing current research activity, capacity, governance gaps) and discussions around governance needs and resources held virtually or in-person. Resources such as algorithms and templates are being drafted and a Community of Practice is being launched.

Results To date, 13 hospices completed the questionnaire: 5(38%) employ dedicated research staff with 2 of these posts currently unfilled. The remainder rely on clinicians and/or quality team colleagues who contribute an average of 1 hour weekly to research. 8(62%) are engaged in Level 2 research activity (Payne, Preston, Turner, et al, 2013). 9(69%) have a hospice research policy; only 2(15%) have research Standard Operating Procedures. Most would value peer support within a Community of Practice, a Single Point of Access for ad hoc advice and support to develop essential governance documentation.

Conclusion Hospices in our region recognise the importance of research participation (Research in hospice care [internet]. Hospice UK) but most do not employ dedicated research staff. Governance processes vary between organisations. Collaboration is valued and sharing resources is essential for time-poor but research-willing clinicians to commit to research participation. A Community of Practice, Single Point of Access and relevant resources are being developed for this purpose.