Setting up for success

First steps for joining a multisite project

Do you want Grampians Health to be a site in an externally-driven, multisite research project?

Excellent, we’re here to help.

The protocol and study design are already in place, and ethics approval has been obtained by the lead site (or they’re in the process of obtaining it).

Your role is to make sure the project runs smoothly at GH. Careful planning now will save time later and help you meet governance requirements.

Step 1

Understand your responsibilities

  • You’ll need to coordinate carefully with the lead study team to ensure clarity.
  • At GH, you are responsible for how the study unfolds locally – including compliance with GH policies and processes.

Step 2

Plan within your department

Discuss the project with your manager and colleagues.

Identify which Departments will be involved.

Secure Head of Department (HOD) support early – their approval will be needed later.

Confirm who will act as the GH Principal Investigator (PI) – this person takes overall responsibility for the study at GH.

Step 3

Start to think through the practicalities

  • How will recruitment and consent happen at GH (if relevant)?
  • How will data be stored at GH (if relevant)?
  • What resources (staff, space, equipment) will you need?

Step 4

Know where to get help

  • Research Ethics and Governance Office (REGO) – your main contact for governance requirements.
  • Research webpages on this site – guidance on SSA submissions and local processes.
  • Grampians Health Library – for any background reading or literature support.

What's next?

Ultimately, you will need to submit a Site-Specific Assessment (SSA) via ERM to obtain GH research governance authorisation.

Detailed instructions for that step are provided here. 

Need help?

Don’t hesitate to contact the Research Ethics and Governance Office:
Email: ResearchEthics@gh.org.au
Phone: 03 5320 8661  or  03 5320 8662