Purpose

Approval is sought to submit an application to the National Institute for Health and Care Research for an extension to an externally funded research award originally approved in 2022. The proposed extension would provide funding for a further 15 months, from October 2027 to December 2028, supporting the Council's research infrastructure, evidence-informed decision making and partnership working with the NHS, universities and other stakeholders. Approval is also sought to accept the funding, if awarded, and to commit to delivery of the programme.

Decision

The recommendations were agreed as outlined in the attached report.