From 2008 the research process has changed and is the responsibility of the Member Support Executive Committee for member-led research and the Management Board for external research (of the type likely to be undertaken by universities).

Stimulating and providing a focal point for member-led research (as opposed to funding research to be undertaken by universities) falls to practice executive committees; some of the committees have established a sub-group for this purpose, to stimulate and co-ordinate activity in their area, but this is certainly not the only way of doing it - for example, the GI area has a very successful model of using the annual convention to generate topics for research and establish working parties, which report back to the following year's convention.

A research strategy/framework for endorsement by the Member Support Executive Committee is being formulated. This will cover issues such as types of research which could be undertaken, identification and use of volunteers and, importantly, methods of dissemination (which will include but not be restricted to sessional meeting papers).

There may be occasions when a member-led research working party would benefit from some small amount of funding to help it take forward its work e.g. anticipated higher participation in a survey if a prize is offered, more timely production of a report/swifter data processing if a university student was engaged to undertake the work. If this is the case, practice executive committees can bid for such funding.

As to funding of external research (of the type likely to be undertaken by universities), the Management Board will be considering topics on which bids will then be sought. The Qualifications Executive Committee (QEC) will consider bids and it may choose to seek input from practice executive committees as part of that; once a contract has been awarded, monitoring progress of such projects will fall to the QEC, although actual approval of the grant rests with the Management Board, on the recommendation of the QEC. Further information will be placed on the website when topics have been decided.

The Faculty Research Committee

The Faculty Research Committee reports to the Faculty Council. It also oversees the operation of a number of standing Research Groups based in Scotland. The Committee sets the broad terms of reference for these groups and monitors their progress. The Research Groups provide a vehicle to allow individual members to participate in research projects which they could not undertake individually. Each Group aims to produce work which can eventually be published for discussion at a Faculty Sessional meeting, Student Society meeting or other forum. Participation in these Groups is a valuable part of the continuing education of members, particularly younger Fellows.