Support is often required to enable to people to fulfil their role effectively. Support needs will depend on many different factors including:

• the nature of the research
• the individual’s role in the research project/group
• their level of experience
• the attitudes of the people they work with
• their health status.

It is important to recognise that all members of a research team may need support.

Planning support requires thinking about what kind of support might be relevant, who is the best person to offer support and what is the best approach to provide the necessary support. Individual needs are different so approaches need to be flexible and responsive. Requirements change over time as people grow more confident or take on more challenging roles. Ongoing discussion helps to check that people’s support needs are being met.