On Friday 24 October 2025 NHS England published the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework.
The framework outlines how the NHS will prioritise work over the next 3 years from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
We were delighted to see that research delivery is included in the new framework (2.8 Genomics, life sciences and research, page 24).
All NHS providers are now required to meet the site-specific timeframes outlined in the government’s 150 day clinical trial set-up target, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will have to review research activity and performance on a 6-monthly basis.
ICBs will also be expected to ensure that clinical trials are proactively supported by following standards and guidance on research finance.
The 150 day target measures the time for a single study from application for regulatory approval through to recruitment of first study participant.
The site-specific timeframe measures the time from approval or the site being selected, whichever is the later, to recruiting the first study participant at the site.
We know that the faster that research is reviewed, set up and the findings are analysed, the sooner patients will get access to new treatments and technologies.
This is one the key priorities outlined in our new strategy. We are working as part of the cross-sector UK Clinical Research Delivery (UKCRD) programme to create a faster, more efficient, more accessible and more innovative clinical research delivery system – making the UK a world leader in clinical trials.
Not only will prioritising research benefit patients, it will make also huge contribution to the growth of the UK’s life sciences sector, and our economy.
Matt Westmore, Chief Executive"Clinical research is, and should be, recognised as a top priority.
“Not just because today’s research leads to tomorrow’s treatments. Not just because it contributes billions directly to the NHS. But because high-quality research and high-quality care are one and the same thing.
“We will continue our work to turbocharge medical research in the UK, and make it simple and fast to do research well."
You can take a look at the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework on the NHS England website.