# Policy Research Programme

**Funder:** NIHR
**Budget:** £1.2M (indicative)
**Duration:** 36 months
**Consortium:** Optional — research teams are encouraged to collaborate on applications where appropriate to utilise expertise
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/prp-44-04-service-evaluation-cqcs-statutory-mental-health-act-mha-duties/2026391
**Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Commissioned service evaluation of CQC's statutory Mental Health Act duties (monitoring, SOAD service, complaints). Mixed-methods including action research over 36 months. UK domestic programme; up to 100% FEC permitted. Must demonstrate capability to start promptly. Inequalities lens and service-user involvement required throughout.

## Summary

The NIHR Policy Research Programme commissions a 36-month service evaluation of the Care Quality Commission's Mental Health Act duties, including monitoring, SOAD assessments, and complaints handling. The project funds mixed-methods and action research with up to £1.2 million available, open to UK research teams with capability to start in March 2027. Service-user involvement and an inequalities lens are mandatory throughout.

## Who should apply

- UK-based research teams with mixed-methods and action research expertise
- Teams with established relationships to service users and capacity for co-production
- Applicants demonstrating capability to begin fieldwork in March 2027
- Mental health policy and healthcare quality evaluation specialists
- Teams able to work across CQC monitoring, SOAD, and complaints functions

## Key dates

- Expected study start: March 2027
- 36-month project duration (through March 2030)
- No submission deadline stated; check NIHR website for application window

## Tips for applicants

- This is a commissioned service evaluation, not an open research call, tailor your application to CQC's specific statutory duties and evaluation priorities.
- Service-user involvement is non-negotiable; include named co-applicants or a clear co-production plan with mental health service users from design onwards.
- Emphasise your team's readiness to mobilise by March 2027; delays in recruitment or ethical approval will be viewed critically.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for the NIHR Policy Research Programme service evaluation?

Up to £1.2 million is available (indicative) for the 36-month project, with 100% full economic cost (FEC) eligible.

### Who can apply for this NIHR Policy Research Programme call?

UK-based research teams with mixed-methods and action research capability, service-user involvement expertise, and capacity to start fieldwork in March 2027.

### Is teamwork required for the NIHR Policy Research Programme?

No, teamwork is optional; however, research teams are encouraged to collaborate where appropriate to access specialist expertise.

### What is the focus of this service evaluation?

The call commissions evaluation of the Care Quality Commission's Mental Health Act statutory duties, encompassing monitoring, SOAD service delivery, and complaints handling over 36 months.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nihr-policy-research-programme-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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