• Published: 7 May 2026

South London and Maudsley fast tracks mental health research through governance innovation

South London and Maudsley fast tracks mental health research through governance innovation

Research and Development team of King’s IoPPN and SLaM at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind

The Joint Research and Development (R&D) Office of SLaM and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (loPPN) has launched a new framework to speed up study set-up, in response to the new target set by the UK Government of getting clinical trials up and running within 150 days. This system improves how studies are tracked and ensures they are supported by proactive planning and meeting performance targets. Results so far have shown the new streamlined processes are helping the Trust meet the 150-day target with ease.

Once a new study enters the Joint R&D Office, the Research Delivery Team at SLaM ensures they meet with the study team to develop a robust recruitment strategy. They meet early to make sure the research is ready to start. Together, they assess if a study is feasible, check clinical capacity, and identify potential risks early on. These findings are then shared with the Recruitment Committee for a formal recruitment strategy review.

This committee focuses on forward planning for studies expected to open within a 30-day window. By agreeing on recruitment strategies and resources in advance, they ensure teams are ready the moment a study is activated.

This coordinated approach cuts down delays and gives our patients faster access to life-changing research.

Alt text Dr Tanya Shlovogt Director of Research Quality at SLaM and the loPPN, King’s College London

The Home Trial: A new hope for depression care

The Home Trial demonstrates how this change has made a difference. This landmark study is supported by the NIHR Research Delivery Network and co-sponsored by SLaM and King’s College London. It’s testing a headset that uses mild electrical signals to help people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study aims to offer a promising, at-home alternative for people living with depression.

For the 438 people taking part, speed is vital. By accelerating the set-up of this trial, SLaM is exploring how to move mental health treatment out of the hospital and into the community. It offers a look at a potential digital way to treat mental health.

The Home Trial serves as a perfect example of how this integrated approach works in practice.

  • Sponsorship – While the organisational target is 90 days, sponsorship for this study was issued in just 28 days.
  • Local approval – Following national HRA approval, the Trust issued its local Capacity and Capability (C&C) sign off in just 2 days, smashing the 60-day target. This is due to the proactive approach of completing several governance elements during the sponsorship phase.

The study team therefore successfully recruited their first participant well within the 150-day study set-up target. This outcome demonstrates the value of early engagement, integrated governance processes, and collaborative working between study teams and the Joint R&D Office.

Take part in the Home Trial

Dr Tanya Shlovogt, Director of Research Quality at SLaM and the loPPN, King’s College London, said: “The key to this success was a move away from sequential processing. In the past, sponsor reviews and local C&C reviews happened one after the other. Since March 2025, we now run these processes at the same time.

“By completing several governance steps early – including Information Governance and contract reviews – we ensure very little work is left to do once national approval arrives. This coordinated approach cuts down delays and gives our patients faster access to life-changing research.”