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RDF People

We want to see health & care improvement through quality research
rooted in our organisations and systems, enabled by an
effective and valued R&D workforce.

The Research and Development Forum (RDF) consists of those in R&D management, support & leadership roles working in with and for providers and commissioners of health and care. Our network is broad and inclusive of patients and the public, non-traditional settings, joint research offices, higher education sponsor teams and more.

Members who volunteer their time lead the RDF, represent the R&D Forum community, and create our value, content and outputs.

The RDF Leadership Team

Representing the RDF to stakeholders, the team oversees the Forum strategy and leads areas of activity to move the work of the Forum forward as a body.

The Forum leadership team is made up of:

  • Leadership Group
  • Group Chairs 
  • Management Team

Forum Board of Trustees/ Leadership Group

The Board oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the RDF as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and as a network. The Board is responsible for the governance and financial oversight of all activities, including communications and the conference and events programme. The CIO trustees are listed below, including the elected Chair Angela Topping.

Members: 

  • Shona Haining, Head of Research & Evidence, NECS
  • Angela Ball, Independent consultant
  • Angela Topping, Head of Newcastle Joint Research Office
  • Carolyn Maloney, Research & Innovation Chief Operating Officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
  • Dipak Patel, Associate Director of Research & Innovation at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Margaret Cooper, Director of Research and Development at Tameside Integrated NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Research Strategy Lead at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
  • Sean Scott, Regulatory Compliance Manager at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

RDF Management & Business Support Services

The RDF Manager supports all the groups and the leadership team in driving the strategy and content of the RDF. The Manager is charged with implementing the strategic plan on a daily basis, engaging with community members and partners, and developing our projects and initiatives. 

RDF Group Chairs

The Chairs of the RDF Groups are members of the Leadership Team that oversees strategy and leads areas of activity to move the work of the RDF forward as a body

Adam Shepphard

Adam Shepphard is chair of the Research Communications Group

See all Group Chairs

R&D Contacts Directory
Resources & Output

R&D Contacts Directory

The contact details of all R&D offices across the UK.
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R&D Forum Groups
Groups & Current Work

R&D Forum Groups

Our groups are more to the value of the R&D Forum. Find out more about our active groups.