Maternity research opportunities

There are many opportunities for NCT members to get involved in our work to ensure that information for parents is reliable, up-to-date, and based on good evidence.

What are research networkers (ReNs)?

The NCT encourages members who have an interest in maternity research and would like to volunteer some time to contribute to the work of the NCT Policy and Research Department to do so by registering as an NCT Research Networker (ReN). ReNs do not need a PhD or anything fancy, just a willingness to get involved.

The only requirements of being a ReN are that you:

• are an NCT member
• have an interest in research, particularly relating to maternity and parents’ issues
• register as a ReN every two years that you wish to continue volunteering as a ReN.

What do ReNs do?

The work of ReNs includes:

• contributing to NCT responses when the charity is consulted by other organisations, including governments, about policy developments throughout the UK,
• representing the NCT on research advisory groups and at conferences,
• writing and reviewing NCT information sheets, policy research briefings or other publications,
• reviewing and abstracting books and journal articles for the NCT Library and Information Service and NCT publications.

ReNs are free to get involved as little or as much as they can or like. The work is flexible according to individual interests, skills and time availability.

Support and benefits for ReNs

To support their role, we offer all registered ReNs:

• an annual research networkers’ pack following registration or re-registration;
• an updated Maternity and Parenthood Information Directory;
• copies of New Digest journal, every quarter;
• a library and information service;
• regular Current Awareness Bulletins listing new research studies;
• a weekly Bulletin Board via email containing news and information about events and consultations and other opportunities to get involved etc;
• a weekly Campaigns and Parliamentary Report;
• contact with other ReNs including the research egroup and additional support from ReN Panel.
• Critical Appraisal Skills (CASP) training to help you understand and use research papers, including a monthly telephone journal club to discuss and appraise papers
• Training on health information on the internet and appraising information for parents (DISCERN)

How do I register as a ReN?

NCT members can register by completing a short online registration form on the Extranet. Registering as a ren is quick and easy and provides us with information about your work and areas of knowledge and interest. It enables us to contact you about possible research opportunities and provide you with relevant information and the support and benefits listed above.

If you are not a member, you will need to join the NCT.

If you require further information or have problems registering please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Mannion in the Policy and Research Department: email, m_mannion@nct.org.uk, tel: 0208 7522327.