9th of March 2016
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Warwick Evidence Advisory Group
Warwick Medical School
University of Warwick
Warwick Evidence (WE)
Warwick Evidence is an interdisciplinary health services research unit with a primary focus
on health technology assessment (HTA). It was established on 1st April 2011 by Professor
Aileen Clarke within Warwick Medical School (WMS). Warwick Evidence undertakes reviews
and evidence synthesis on the clinical and cost effectiveness of health care interventions for
the Health Technology Assessment Programme, for a range of research funders and policy
makers including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Warwick Evidence is contracted to deliver a mix of Single Technology Appraisals (STAs),
Multiple Technology Appraisals (MTAs), Health Technology Assessment Reports (TAR),
Diagnoses Assessments (DA) and Short Reports for the NIHR HTA Programme totalling five
and a half TAR units each year.
Aims of WE







To undertake high quality technology appraisals for the NIHR HTA programme and
for NICE.
To be a regional centre of research excellence in health technology assessment and
to increase local, regional and national awareness of the potential of health
technology assessment in healthcare.
To provide capacity in Warwick Medical School (WMS) in systematic reviewing,
health economics and cost effectiveness, modelling and meta-analysis, and to
increase numbers of future Principal Investigators in line with the WMS research
strategy.
To strengthen links and tie together important current research themes across
Warwick University related to health evidence, technology appraisal, assessment of
cost effectiveness, clinical trials, economic modelling, and to contribute to knowledge
diffusion and dissemination.
To promote the exchange of knowledge between Warwick Evidence and the NHS.
To attract external funding to support related empirical and methodological work of
the highest quality.
To disseminate research findings via high ranking journals, local/regional NHS and
academic networks.
Page 1 of 3
Terms of Reference
Warwick Evidence Advisory Group
9th of March 2016
9th of March 2016
Terms of Reference
The Advisory Group (AG) is a locally instigated arrangement to provide the Warwick
Evidence with independent oversight, support and advice. It has been agreed as forming
part of the oversight and governance arrangements for Warwick Evidence in the University
of Warwick’s contract with the Department of Health. Its terms of reference are to:
1. To provide advice to the Director and Senior team of Warwick Evidence on academic
and strategic planning and direction.
2. To meet at least annually.
3. To review contractual and academic objectives.
4. To receive suitable key performance indicators (KPIs) and to assess progress against
objectives.
5. To provide annual oversight of WE’s financial governance.
6. To provide oversight of WE’s quality assurance processes.
7. To receive and review an Annual Report.
8. To review AG Terms of Reference and WE aims periodically for fitness for purpose.
Membership
Membership will be reviewed periodically by the agreement of the Chair and Director;
deputies and co-opting will be accepted only by prior agreement. All members should have a
background and/or interest in the work of Warwick Evidence. For quoracy advisory boards
should include at minimum:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Two members from the University of Warwick, external to Warwick Evidence.
Two members external to the University of Warwick.
A Chair drawn from 1 or 2.
The Director of Warwick Evidence (or a deputy).
Two senior staff members from Warwick Evidence.
A financial officer from the University of Warwick.
Membership will be constructed to provide a range of experience and expertise including
local and regional NHS and clinical links, advanced methodological advice; social science,
social policy, health policy and qualitative expertise; senior and experienced TAR leadership
advice; academic PPI advice and external policy NHS, NIHR and stakeholder. The Advisory
Board will be supported administratively by the RPA to Warwick Evidence.
Working Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Advisory Board will meet at least annually.
All matters relating to the Advisory Board will be treated as confidential.
Electronic or written communication may be used between Advisory Board meetings.
All members will have equal standing within the group.
Term of office for members who are not employed to work within Warwick Evidence is
normally 5 years with the possibility of renewal.
Page 2 of 3
Terms of Reference
Warwick Evidence Advisory Group
9th of March 2016
9th of March 2016
6. The Advisory Board will be chaired by a member who is not employed to work within
Warwick Evidence.
7. Conflicts of Interest will be declared and recorded.
8. Meetings will be quorate (see Membership).
Page 3 of 3
Terms of Reference
Warwick Evidence Advisory Group
9th of March 2016