Work with the CRDC UK Network
A coordinated, flexible route into UK Commercial Research Delivery Centres
Work with the CRDC UK Network
A coordinated, flexible route into UK Commercial Research Delivery Centres
The CRDC UK Network provides a clear, streamlined and free route for commercial sponsors to access and deliver clinical trials across the UK.
Acting as a single point of contact, we connect sponsors and contract research organisations (CROs) with a national network of 35 Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) spanning primary, secondary, specialist and community care.
Our role is to reduce complexity, enable rapid decision-making and support efficient study delivery—especially for trials requiring coordination across multiple sites. We help triage studies, identify the most appropriate centres and delivery models, and connect partners with leading expertise across the Network.
We work with:
Pharmaceutical companies
Biotechnology and life sciences organisations
Contract Research Organisations (CROs)
Commercial sponsors planning or delivering clinical research in the UK
We support organisations new to the UK and those with established research portfolios.
A central point of contact for engaging with CRDCs across the UK
Navigating the UK research environment can be complex.
The CRDC UK Network provides a route into the system, coordinating engagement with CRDCs across the UK.
Through one contact point, sponsors can:
- Engage with multiple centres quickly and efficiently
- Access coordinated feasibility insight
- Access Key Opinion Leaders
- Identify suitable sites and delivery models
- Progress studies at pace across all sites
- Problem-solve and coordinate study set up and delivery
- Network or CRDC-level resolutions
The Network provides additional value by coordinating engagement across multiple centres, minimising duplication and providing a clear, fast route to the right CRDCs.
Support across study set up and delivery
We provide coordinated support across key stages of study delivery, including:
- A single, coordinated Expression of Interest (EOI) process
- Feasibility assessment across Centres
- CRDC identification and selection
- Access to patient and public insight, when required
- Efficient study set-up and activation
- Single sign off across all sites
- Coordinated escalation routes and resolutions
We focus on speed, clarity and responsiveness to support sponsor timelines.
Identifying the right sites and delivery approach
We work with sponsors to help identify the most appropriate CRDCs and delivery model for each study and work across the research infrastructure to ensure all appropriate sites are identified. This includes collaboration with the NIHR Industry Hub in England, NHS Research Scotland (NRS), Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), and Health and Social Care Research & Development (HSC R&D) Division in Northern Ireland to support study delivery across the UK.
We can provide data driven and up-to-date insight on:
- NHS trusts and organisations involved in delivery
- Principal Investigators and clinical expertise
- Patient populations and recruitment potential
- Workforce skills and capacity
- CRDC Capability and resources
- Previous delivery experience
Delivery can be supported across primary, secondary, specialist and community care settings, including both single and multi-location approaches.
For detailed, up-to-date information, we encourage sponsors to contact the Network team so we can provide tailored recommendations.
Delivering research at scale through multi-location models
The majority of CRDCs can operate multi-location (regional) delivery models, where multiple organisations work together to deliver a single study. This can go beyond Patient Identification Centres (PICs) or service level delivery.
This approach supports:
- Recruitment at scale over large geographical areas
- Improved capacity across sites to maximise recruitment potential
- Delivery across different organisations and settings
- Access to broader and more diverse populations
- Improved equitability of access to research
The Network supports sponsors to navigate these models, providing coordination and practical support throughout.
Benefits for sponsors
Working with the CRDC UK Network offers:
- A single, central entry point to Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) across the UK
- Faster, more efficient engagement across multiple sites and centres through coordinated working
- Streamlined communication, reducing duplication and complexity
- Access to a UK-wide, government-funded research infrastructure embedded within the health service, supported by experienced research teams
- Flexible, tailored support designed around the needs of your study
- Support for inclusive participation and diverse recruitment across communities
- Faster study set-up enabled through nationally aligned processes and coordination
- Enhanced recruitment potential through innovative delivery approaches and national infrastructure that connects studies to appropriate sites and populations
Delivery across primary and community care can also improve participant access and retention, enabling research closer to home.
How you can work with us
- Early contact – Share your study and objectives for expert insights and UK key opinion leader input
- UK-wide feasibility – We will provide bespoke coordinated access across CRDCs to meet your study needs.
- Site identification – Partner with us to match your study to appropriate CRDCs and models
- Set-up and delivery – Tell us the metrics that matter to you and we will work to help you achieve these for your studies. Providing expedited study set up and delivery in partner with our CRDCs
- Strategic and delivery workshops. We work with sponsors to bring clinical expertise, delivery staff and support services including pharmacy and imaging to help co-create practical solutions to improve recruitment and delivery across CRDCs
What happens when you get in touch
Our team will review all enquiries and respond within 2 working days outlining the next steps. Depending on your needs, we will:
- Connect you to Key Opinion Leaders, Principal Investigators and CRDCs efficiently
- Clarify your study requirements and any adaptations for the UK
- Identify appropriate CRDCs and delivery models
- Provide tailored recommendations for study delivery next steps
- Enable study, Network or CRDC-level problem-solving
- Connect with Networks and other research infrastructure across the UK
Get in touch
If you are planning a commercial clinical study in the UK, the CRDC UK Network can support you.
All enquiries submitted through the contact form are reviewed by the Network team, and you will receive a response to your enquiry.
Contact us