Conducting research in Prisons, Probation or HMPPS Headquarters

Due to the potential volumes of applications, the NRC is unable to accept applications from undergraduate students.

Before completing the NRC application form, please read the NRC Application Guidance which outlines the information that should be included in the application, the supporting documentation to be uploaded with the form and tips for completing your application.

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. 

If the research also requires approval from health and social care bodies, researchers should apply through the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) only. Researchers are not required to submit an NRC form in addition to the IRAS application form. 

​Amendments to already approved applications: this can include, but is not limited to, changes to the prisons or probation regions included in your research, the methodology or the research team. The NRC Amendment Request Form and associated guidance can be found at Research at HMPPS - Amendments to previously approved research.

For more information on how we will use your data, please refer to the Privacy Notice on the NRC webpage: NRC Privacy Notice.