Research at HMPPS
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-15)

Conducting Research in Prisons, Probation or HMPPS Headquarters

Overview

Anybody seeking to undertake research (specifically the application of research methods) involving staff and/or offenders in prison establishments, across the Probation Service or within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS) Headquarters are required to formally apply for approval to the HMPPS National Research Committee (NRC). ​

The NRC exists to ensure:
- The research applicant, Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HMPPS attain best value from the research conducted.
- The resource implications and impact of the research activity on operational delivery are considered.
- The robustness and relevance of the research is adequately assessed.
- Matters of data protection, security and research ethics are dealt with in a consistent manner.
MoJ Areas of Research Interest

The MoJ Areas of Research Interest (ARI) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-justice-areas-of-research-interest-2025) sets out the department’s medium-term research priorities, in line with our strategic objectives for the justice system. It highlights where new research is needed and can have the most impact for policy and practice.

Researchers should consider the ARI in their application and explain how their research can help address these strategic evidence needs. Applications will be assessed against this as one of the review criteria.

How to submit an application

Making an application

Due to current operational pressures, London probation is not able to consider any new research applications until autumn 2025. Until then only business critical research applications or those with direct regional director support will be considered by London probation.

All NRC applications must be made using the online application form – HMPPS NRC Online Application Form (https://apply-for-hmpps-research.service.justice.gov.uk/Introduction-and-Guidance/)

You can also download and complete a printable version of the online form here, NRC Online Application Form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6825cb0fc3d769b1824e6401/NRC_Research_Application.odt) (ODT, 262 KB). This document should be used for drafting purposes; only applications submitted using the online form will be processed and reviewed.

For projects also requiring approval from health and social care bodies, applications should be made through the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) (https://www.myresearchproject.org.uk/).

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check if Health Research Authority (HRA) approval is also required. The HRA has a decision tool to help you decide - Is my study research? (hra-decisiontools.org.uk) (https://www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/research/)

Applications for secondary data analysis should be submitted via the usual NRC process.

Supporting documentation must be uploaded via the online application form.

Guidance on applications

Guidance on the NRC process, including information that should be included in the application form and tips for completing your application is available: NRC Application Guidance (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6630d009953c547c376bb7f9/NRC_Application_Guidance_-__April_2024_.pdf) (PDF, 605 KB, 31 pages).

Review and approval process

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on the last working day of the month to be considered in the following month of reviews.

The NRC reviews a maximum of 14 multi-site applications per month. This cap operates on a first-come-first- served basis with any surplus applications carried over into the following month.

For more information on the review and approvals process, please refer to the NRC application guidance document.

Student applications

Undergraduate students: Due to the potential volume of applications, the NRC is unable to accept research proposals from undergraduate students. This applies even when HMPPS or MoJ business support is provided.

Postgraduate (Masters) students: we are unable to accept Masters applications without written evidence of HMPPS/MoJ business support. Business support should be from Prison Group Director (PGD) for custody, Regional Probation Director (RPD) for community or Deputy Director level for HQ requests. A letter/email of support must be uploaded with the NRC application. We are unable to process applications without this confirmation.

Postgraduate (Doctoral) students: The committee does accept student applications at doctoral level. Business support is beneficial but not required.

Amendments to previously approved research

NRC approval should be sought for amendments to already approved applications. This can include, but not limited to, changes to the prisons or probation regions included in your research, the methodology or the research team.

NRC Amendment Guidance – NRC Amendment Guidance (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6630cff5ce3f1dd574cad21c/NRC_Amendment_Guidance__April_2024___002_.pdf) (PDF, 251 KB, 3 pages)

NRC Amendment Form – NRC Amendment Form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6630cfc2ce3f1dd574cad21a/NRC_Amendment_Form__April_2024_.docx) (MS Word Document, 33.9 KB)

Completed forms should be submitted to the NRC mailbox: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

NRC decisions

We will notify you of the NRC decision by updating the status of your application in the online application portal. A decision letter will also be emailed to the lead researcher. We may ask that the research is also submitted to an appropriate local research ethics committee (for example, University, NHS or research body).

Successful applicants

If your application is successful, you will be required to prepare a research summary (maximum of five pages) at the end of your project which:
- summarises the research aims and approach
- highlights the key findings
- sets out the implications for HMPPS and MoJ decision-makers
Provision of the research summary is essential to ensure that MoJ and HMPPS are notified of your research findings and the value of your research is maximised.

Unsuccessful applicants

If your application is unsuccessful, we will provide reasons in the decision letter. You are allowed one resubmission. The reasons for the previous rejection should be fully addressed.

How we use your data

For information on how we collect and use your data, you can read the National Research Committee Privacy Policy (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d418554047b1c7801b5bc2/National_Research_Committee_Privacy_Policy.pdf) (PDF, 187 KB, 5 pages)

Related Links

General NRC related queries: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Accessing HMCTS data - Get access to HMCTS data (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/access-hmcts-data-for-research)

Research involving the judiciary - Judicial participation in research projects - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary (https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/judicial-participation-in-research-projects/)

Statistics at MoJ - Statistics at MOJ - Ministry of Justice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/statistics)

Accessing the Justice Data Lab - Accessing the Justice Data Lab service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/justice-data-lab)

Research through Data First - MOJ: Data First, application form for secure access to data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moj-data-first-application-form-for-secure-access-to-data)

MoJ Areas of Research Interest (ARI) - Ministry of Justice: areas of research interest 2020 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-justice-areas-of-research-interest-2020)

MoJ Publications - Research and statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics?content_store_document_type=research&organisations%5B%5D=ministry-of-justice)

Research with MoJ’s agencies and Arms-Length Bodies - Research within MOJ’s agencies and arm’s length bodies - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/research-within-mojs-agencies-and-arms-length-bodies)

Data protection guidance can be found on the Information Commissioner’s Office website - http://ico.org.uk