Occupational Therapists Registration Board of Western Australia

Policies

Research Grant Policy.

Revised December 2004

Applications for Research Grants/Fellowships

Declaration

The Occupational Therapists’ Registration Board in keeping with its strategic objectives seeks to promote and provide the funding assistance for research in Occupational Therapy.

Background

A review undertaken by the Board in 1994 revealed that few organisations supported research in occupational therapy. Empowered by the Act to direct its funds to assist in these areas, the Board resolved on 15 June 1994, to institute a Research Grant. The Grant would be controlled by the Board and would only be available to occupational therapists registered and practising in Western Australia. In awarding Grants, the Board’s main consideration has always been with the type of research undertaken rather than with the amount of funding required.

Objectives

To promote optimum quality in occupational therapy research practice
To encourage research opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners
To ensure financial accountability procedures are followed.

Policy/Procedures

1.	The Principal Investigator (PI) nominated should be an occupational therapist.
2.	Applicants must follow the template for Research Grant Applications when submitting a proposal.
3.	A one page annual report of research progress is required by the Board, with the research activities, timeline and budget updated.
4.	In the case of the PI being unable to continue involvement with the nominated research project, the Board must be immediately informed. The Board would determine whether the project can be continued successfully under the direction of a new PI who fits the appropriate selection criteria, or whether support for the project will be terminated. In the case of needing to terminate the project, the retiring PI should send a synopsis of the progress of the project to this point in time; no further funding will then be forwarded.
5.	A separate cost centre using the name of the project, rather than the individual investigator, is to be established by the researcher’s organisation prior to the receipt of research funds. The Board would need to be informed whether the organisation administering the funds proposes to charge administration fees. If fees are to be charged, and if these are significant, the Board may elect to establish a cost centre within its own records to disburse the funds. An itemised account of expenditures must be forwarded with the annual report.
6.	Funds required for substantial purchases other than identified in the research grant application must be forwarded to the Board for approval, for example in the case of large equipment items, as grants are primarily given to free up or purchase staff time to facilitate the successful outcome of the project.
7.	Whilst an annual progress report to the Board is a requirement, the Board has the prerogative to inquire regarding the project should it wish to do so at any time.
8.	As the aim of the grants is to further the profession of occupational therapy, the clear dissemination process of the project outcomes is an essential component of the acceptance of a Board grant.
9.	Applicants are required to include an acknowledgment to the Board concerning the research grant, in their final reports on the title page.
10.	Applicants are required to include their initial proposal document with the final report. The Board requires seven (7) bound copies of the final report. This should meet appropriate standards of presentation, including referencing, format and appropriate cover page.
11.	Grant applicants with limited research experience must have identified experienced researchers to assist in methodology and appropriate data analysis.
12.	Applicants should clearly identify whether this is a “stand alone” research project or a component of a larger study.
13.	Grant applicants should provide the Board with a letter of support from the organisation backing the applicant, confirming that the organisation is aware of and supports the research proposed.