South West Clinical Schools

Linking research with practice to improve patient outcomes across the region since 2014
nurse shows other trainees how to use the IV drip

Our main objectives are to:

  • Deliver high-quality research which supports the needs of the population and workforce in the South West and beyond. 
  • Develop the capacity and capability for research within the workforce to enable evidence-based practice and inform quality improvement activity. 
  • Support the leaders of health and social care professionals to develop their research workforce. 
  • Embed a clear clinical academic career path to assist the transition from undergraduate student to senior research leadership roles. 
  • Influence regional, national, and international decision making within this arena, resulting in demonstrable impact. 

What are the South West Clinical Schools?

The South West Clinical Schools are a collaboration between the ҹèÊÓƵ and health and social care organisations operating in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. The School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Health Professions lead this initiative which aims to support all health and social care professionals undertaking and supporting research. 
We seek to overcome long-standing barriers to collaborative working across these sectors by supporting colleagues at all stages of their research careers, whether they are already involved in research or thinking about getting involved.
Our collaboration focuses on research important to health and social care services, across the life course, within families and communities, and strengthening the workforce. 

The South West Clinical Schools cover Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and are hosted in the following six NHS Trusts:

South West Clinical Schools Leads

Our Research Community

Our research

Developing a research skilled workforce in the South West 

This programme aims to support work that embeds research as the keystone that underpins excellent care and supports innovation. Medics have established programmes for research development within their career pathways. We want to create sustainable research skills, capacity, and capabilities for all health and care professionals. This includes building relationships, collaboration with Integrated Care Boards and provider organisations, identifying good practice, and rolling out supportive, sustainable structures.
Developing a research skilled workforce logo. Coloured lines show outline of the south of England. 

This qualitative study will explore the implementation of the EHCH framework across eight care homes in Torbay and South Devon by capturing the experiences and voices of residents, family members and care staff.
Senior couple being served meal by carer - Getty images

JBI model of evidence-based healthcare 

JBI's approach to evidence-based healthcare is encompassed in the JBI Model of Evidence-based Healthcare. 
The ҹèÊÓƵ is a JBI Centre of Excellence, of which Bridie Kent and Frazer Underwood are the directors. The JBI framework is a gold-standard for all aspects of evidence-based healthcare, including all stages of healthcare research and is designed to improve healthcare practice and health outcomes.

View current funding opportunities with the NIHR. Use the filters on the left-hand side of the page to find the opportunities most relevant to you.
 

News highlights

SWCS Conference banner
10th South West Clinical School Conference
The 10th annual conference will be held on Friday 5 December 10:00–16:00 in the Rolle Marquee at the ҹèÊÓƵ. This conference will spotlight the inspirational work being undertaken across the South West and celebrate 10 years of linking research with practice. Prepare for a day of celebration, workshops and networking!
Developing a research skilled workforce logo. Coloured lines show outline of the south of England. 
Surfing The Wave: Transforming Services Through Research-skilled Practitioners: A Developing A Research Skilled Workforce Conference
The Developing and Celebrating a Research Skilled Workforce Conference 2025 was held on Wednesday 2 April 2025 at the ҹèÊÓƵ. The research-curious, research-active, and research leaders were invited to attend this regional in-person conference.
abstract medical pharmacy healthcare innovative concept background
9th South West Clinical School Conference, Tuesday 15 October 2024
On 15 October 2024, Somerset Clinical School hosted the 9th annual South West Clinical Schools conference in Taunton, sponsored by Chief Nurse, Hayley Peters. 63 delegates joined to celebrate clinical research activities from across the region.
The framework has been developed to clearly outline how practitioners can get involved in health and care research. It supports changes in health and care service delivery to better meet the needs and expectations of the people and communities we serve.
Nursing students on placement
Cornwall Clinical School asked to lead delivery for their local NMAHP Research Strategy | 3 July 2023
This multi-professional research strategy sets out across five themes context and ambition to inspire, support and develop staff from its acute, community and specialist services.
South West Clinical School Journal
South West Clinical School Journal, an ever evolving story | 3 July 2023
The South West Clinical School Journal is published quarterly and shares the work of regional colleagues with a wider national and international audience.

More related news

Developing a Research Skilled Workforce conference
University spearheads work to develop health research skills

The Faculty of Health is working with NHS England South West to boost the number of research-active health and social care professionals

20 March 2024
 

How to be a clinical academic

Resources for anyone considering a career in this field

An introduction from the ҹèÊÓƵ’s clinical research team

A talk by Professor Jonathan Marsden, Professorship and Chair in Rehabilitation in the School of Health Professions

Free webinars for nurses, allied health professionals and public health or local government members of staff interested in becoming research active