National Contract Value Review (NCVR) process improvement

Published 29th June 2026

From 1 July 2026, a test and learn approach for a more streamlined National Contract Value Review (NCVR) process will ensure an accelerated national negotiation process for all commercial contract research studies. Co-developed by NHS England, DHSC, NIHR and HRA in partnership with Devolved Nations, and working closely with sites, this initiative supports the government’s commitment for reducing the set-up time for clinical trials to less than 150 days, ensuring that we can support a thriving research ecosystem for the benefit of patients and to help our workforce. 

Key Improvements

• Accelerated review with embedded quality assurance: The improved process will deliver the Lead Site Study Resource Review, including Quality Assurance by a secondary reviewer from a participating site within 20 days plus up to 5 days for company representative review. A further 5 days is available for company finalisation where needed.
• Replacement of site escalations: Escalations will be replaced by the up front Quality Assurance process by the lead site and second reviewer. The high majority of studies already pass without needing escalations. Individual site-level escalations will no longer be a part of the NCVR process for all studies submitted for Study Resource Review on or after 1 July. We have worked with sites (and will continue to do so) to ensure that we learn over the first few months of implementation as to how we avoid needing escalations through high-quality, robust review at the start.

Support for implementation

• Ensuring consistency: Recognising the extensive experience and expertise in the system across the UK, part of the support will include the first module of a new learning provision. A detailed national standards document co-created with industry and NHS experts will be available to support implementation. This will support a predictable and standardised approach for costing each study across the UK. Existing guidance will be consolidated into further modules that will be released in due course. 
• Test and learn approach: As the new process is embedded from 1 July, it will be closely monitored and refined during the first few months to maximise impact. For England, the NIHR Industry hub will provide close support and work with colleagues in the Devolved Nations.

Strategic Impact

This shift strengthens the UK’s position as a globally leading destination for clinical trials by cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and standardising processes. This improvement means the UK can set up and deliver commercial research at pace—ensuring the system remains fast and predictable for global investment, and while ultimately delivering life-changing benefits for patients.

More detail to follow:

Detailed guidance on the process and support will be available by 1 July with support from the NIHR Industry Hub and Devolved Nations teams.

NHS England hosted webinar about the National Contract Value Review (NCVR) Process update on 24 June. View the NCVR Improvement Plan slides here.