How we decide on the research we fund

We carefully review the research proposals we receive, to ensure the projects we fund are scientifically and ethically sound, of relevance to our business objectives and value for money.

Planning Groups

Each area of research has a Planning Group which consists of key Guide Dogs staff. They identify and plan our research requirements, often in consultation with staff and stakeholders. They also act as an initial ‘filter’ for the research proposals we receive, ensuring that only those that fit with the research strategy are put forward for formal review.

Peer review

Any research proposals requesting funding will be sent for peer review. Peer reviewers are expert professionals working outside of Guide Dogs check if the proposed research is scientifically sound, likely to come to a successful conclusion in the time specified, considered value for money and will not duplicate other studies.

Advisory Groups

Our three research areas also each have an Advisory Group consisting of Guide Dogs directors, portfolio trustees and external experts. They review research proposals requesting funding to ensure that they have been properly evaluated by the peer and ethical reviewers, scrutinise proposals to ensure they will have potential value to Guide Dogs and short- list those to be recommended to the Research Committee.

Research Committee

The Research Committee, consisting of the chair and four portfolio trustees, oversees all research activities and makes recommendations to Guide Dogs’ Council on which research proposals to fund. They are responsible for communicating to Council any future priority areas for research which may impact on the research strategy.

Council

Guide Dogs’ Council of trustees has ultimate responsibility for commissioning of projects and the required expenditure, and sets Guide Dogs’ research strategy based on advice and recommendations from the Research Committee.