Hello fellow researchers, I wonder if anyone from the UK can help, this is regarding the NHS ethics form (IRAS).

For my PhD I will be the chief investigator, however will I need a principal investigator? According to the NHS Health Research Authority the chief investigator can be the PI also on a single site study, which I aim to employ, involving interviewing people who have left a mental health ward exploring their experiences of engaging in recovery on the ward.

I do need a person on the ward to oversee the handing out of study information leaflets by staff, these will be given to potential participants in their last week of admission, their role would also be as a link person who can inform me if the study is having a negative impact outside of my awareness. For example, an interview may go well but responses such as distress might be delayed, which might be identified by the person’s community mental health team. Is this person defined as a PI or is there another term for this role under NHS REC? Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Thank you for taking the time to read this question.

Kris