Consolidated UK-wide guidance page for study set-up

Published 02nd July 2026

The UK government is committed to reducing clinical trial set-up times to under 150 days to enable faster, more predictable trial delivery and improve patient access to innovative treatments. To help research delivery teams and NHS sites meet this ambition, a consolidated UK Guidance for Study Set-Up page is now available on the UKCRD website. The new page provides clear, actionable links covering:

  • Oversight and workforce: Board-level readiness and research finance management.
  • Contracting: Access to the latest central model agreements.
  • Costing: Essential tools for both commercial (NCVR) and non-commercial (SoECAT) studies.
  • HRA policies: Study-wide technical assurances (including pharmacy and radiation).
  • Data reporting: Clear definitions for reporting against the 150-day and 90-day site-level targets.

Whether you are coordinating commercial contract research or non-commercial studies, this page is your starting point for compliant, efficient study set-up.

This website is for audiences interested in the cross-sector development and progression of the UK’s clinical research system. The site is managed by NIHR on behalf of all of the Programme partners.

Study Set-up
Main menu