NHS Trusts
FAQs for Trusts and other NHS Organisations
- What is TrusTECH?
- How can our organisation become a member?
- How does TrusTECH operate?
- What services does TrusTECH offer?
- What's the difference between service level agreements 1 and 2?
- When does a case come under service level agreement 2?
- How much does it cost to become a member?
- Once we become a member what happens next?
- Can you help with funding for IP protection and exploitation?
- What if an employee says he owns his own ideas?
- Should employment contracts include IP clauses?
FAQs for Trusts and other NHS Organisations
1. What is TrusTECH?
TrusTECH is the North West NHS Innovation Hub and part of the wider national NHS Innovation Hub Network (see 'About TrusTECH?' )
2. How can our organisation become a member?
Please check if your Trust is already a member, e.g. with your R&D Office, or check the list of members. If it is not a member please contact TrusTECH on 0161 276 5764 to discuss terms and conditions of membership.
3. How does TrusTECH operate?
Once your organisation has become a member and signed Service Level Agreement 1 you will be allocated a personal contact from the TrusTECH team. This Technology Exploitation Manager will be able to provide you with expert guidance and advice on looking after your innovative ideas and intellectual property.
4. What services does TrusTECH offer?
An overview of TrusTECH's services can be found in the NHS Services Section
5. What's the difference between service level agreements 1 and 2?
Service level agreement 1 (SLA1) is the standard TrusTECH membership agreement. This agreement will entitle member Trusts to help and advice on managing IP within the Trust including IP auditing services to help them identify IP, and advice on how to protect and develop the IP further.
Service level agreement 2 (SLA2) is the agreement setting out the terms if the member Trust chooses to engage
TrusTECH for the development and commercialisation of IP identified under SLA1. SLA2 includes an obligation on the Trust to remunerate TrusTECH for these activities.
6. When does a case come under service level agreement 2?
After TrusTECH's initial discussions with the Trust/inventor, they will make recommendations to the Trust on protecting, developing and commercialising the idea. If the Trust requests that TrusTECH follow up these recommendations and develop the idea commercially, then the terms of SLA2 will apply.
7. How much does it cost to become a member?
The fee for non-Budget 1 funded Trusts and other organisations will be decided on a case by case basis. The minimum annual fee is currently £250.
8. Once we become a member what happens next?
An initial meeting will be arranged with your Technology Exploitation Manager to discuss how your Trust can benefit from the services available from becoming a member of TrusTECH. A series of IP audits or awareness raising sessions are good starting points.
9. Can you help with funding for IP protection and exploitation?
Yes, please talk to your Technology Manager to find out more about how you can secure funding for your innovation. TrusTECH may be able to identify sources of funding or negotiate agreements with companies to cover these costs. TrusTECH has also set up a fund for proof-of-concept and development work (the TrusTECH Pathfinder Development Fund). In order to receive funding from the TrusTECH fund, an application must be submitted by a TrusTECH Technology Manager to the fund committee.
10. What if an employee says he owns his own ideas?
Generally speaking under statutory law an employer will be the owner of IP generated by an employee in the course of employment or normal duties unless the employer and employee have agreed otherwise.
11. Should employment contracts include IP clauses?
Yes because without clarity on ownership and other issues, confusion and conflict will arise. There is a risk that inconsistent and inappropriate employment conditions may be introduced. Employees sometimes believe they have rights in IP which they do not. Due to the complexity of this area it is beneficial to include an IP clause in the employment contract to avoid disappointment. Guidance on this is available from the document 'The NHS as an Innovative Organisation' .