The judges will apply the following criteria at the 2 separate stages of assessing the suitability of a project for funding by PMG.  We advise that you use the check-lists before submitting your proposal.

Criteria Check-list for Initial Proposals

1. Is the candidate a member of PMG?    
2. Does the proposal relate to a research study?    
3. Has the candidate’s line manager agreed to support the research study?    
4. Is there a clear research question identifying the target population, interventions/exposures & outcomes?    
5. Is the proposed study relevant to the PMG aims & objectives?    
6. Is the proposed study of interest and value to the PMG membership and of potential benefit to the client group served by PMG?    
7. Is ethical approval required for this proposed study?    
8. If yes, and the ethical approval has not yet been sought, does the proposal have the potential to meet all the requirements of research governance? See http://www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk/ for further guidance.  

Criteria Check-list for Final applications

1. Is there a well defined research question/objective identifying the target population, interventions/exposures & outcomes?    
2. Is there evidence of a literature review?
3. Is there clear justification of relevance of study?
4. Is the study relevant to PMG’s aims & objectives?
5. Is there evidence of user consultation / involvement?
6. Is there appropriate methodology that will address the research question/ objective?
7. Has the applicant identified an appropriate analysis technique?
8. Are inclusion & exclusion criteria being used?
9. Is there a clear definition of intervention/exposures and outcomes?
10. Is the method of recruitment of participants suitable?
11. Are the design, timetable and costing of the study realistic?
12. Is the proposed means of dissemination satisfactory?
13. Are the references used sufficient and appropriate?