Increasing research capacity and capability in a mental health and community trust in England

To be effective and equitable, the care provided by mental health services needs to be anchored in robust research led by front-line staff such as nurses and allied health professionals. Mental health services have historically been under-resourced in terms of research capability and capacity. However, the strategic plan for research published by the chief nursing officer for England and substantial new funding for mental health research activity in England have signalled a change of course for mental health nurses’ involvement in research. In this article, the author discusses how mental health services can step up their involvement in research, describing initiatives taken at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust to increase staff’s engagement in research and make participation in research more representative of the communities served by the trust. The article illustrates how national investment in research can translate into increased local research capacity and capability, and how targeted initiatives can drive a meaningful shift in organisational research culture.