In its publication ‘Best Research for Best Health’1 the UK government has emphasised the fundamental importance of high-quality clinical research relevant to patient needs within the NHS. The present day framework of NHS Research & Development began some 15 years ago with the Culyer Report2 when a strategy for ring-fenced funding and support for research in the NHS was determined. Since then the terms and conditions for the conduct of research and its governance have evolved,3 with the national health strategy now firmly directed at improving the research culture within the NHS environment as part of the Department of Health's 10-year Science and Investment Framework 2004–2014. ‘Best Research for Best Health’ states that ‘people should be placed at the centre of the research system’ and that patients should be encouraged to engage in the research process at all levels, including ‘identification, design, recruitment to and dissemination of research projects’. In essence, a partnership should take place between the patient and the investigator enabling a better understanding of the needs of people affected by medical conditions and ensuring early access to new interventions and prevention strategies through high-quality protocols. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) manages a Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) providing support and coordination for research within the NHS and, of eight Topic-Specific Clinical Research Networks (TCRNs) that have been prioritised, the Diabetes Research Network (DRN) serves to improve integration of research and to encourage a wider participation in diabetes-related clinical trials. Presently, the DRN has incomplete distribution across the UK geographical land-scape, but in areas without coverage, in England at least, alternative provision is being taken on by separate Comprehensive Local Research Networks (CLRNs). So far it is early days, but already the Network is supporting a number of peer-reviewed multi-centre projects considered to have potential clinical benefits to people with diabetes. It is anticipated that the majority of research within the NHS environment, be it portfolio, joint academic or commercial studies, will be channelled through the Network and ongoing local ‘own account’ research will be encouraged to secure ‘adoption’ by a central Network peer review panel including lay advisors. Multi-centre studies frequently involve a partnership between the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry. Involvement in such commercial research has always been an important part of a local diabetes service activity, enabling early, cutting edge experience of new therapeutic developments. However, there have been concerns4 that the UK investigator may be becoming less competitive with a slowness to initiate trials, a failure to meet recruitment targets and excessive costs compared to the international market—all adversely affecting the UK as a source of favoured trial sites. An advantage of the various Networks should be to address these issues, identifying ‘good sites’ and supporting a greater efficiency of trial conduct. One crucial issue determining the success or otherwise of clinical trial outcome is very much the good-will of patients prepared to be involved in research studies. The importance of securing patient motivation and participation is recognised both by the UK Diabetes Research Network5 and by INVOLVE,6 a national advisory group funded by the NIHR to support and promote active public involvement in NHS research. Endeavouring to understand which factors most influence a patient's decision to participate in research studies, using a Lickert scale-based questionnaire,7 we have found that people with diabetes have various reasons for participating in clinical trials. Significant motivating factors included improving their own health, helping relatives and advancing science. Of particular note was the finding that a face-to-face discussion with the diabetes consultant proved to be the most influential means of achieving patient participation emphasising the responsibility of trust that rests with the investigator. Recognising this invaluable need for patient and public involvement in clinical trials, the UK Diabetes Research Network has established a dedicated Advocacy Group,8 combining health care professionals and several lay members, to champion all these matters and to share the patient perspective of participation. In this issue (p 216), the Advocacy Group reports an innovative practical resource in the form of an educational DVD which, based on video interview of patients with positive previous clinical trial experience, is being used to recruit patients from primary care, where care for the majority of people with diabetes is now provided. A large proportion of future trials in diabetes will need to seek patient participation from general practice, with integrated research adapting along similar lines to present integrated clinical care models of service. This Diabetes Network Advocacy Group resource provides a useful means of promoting research understanding and facilitating patient participation within the new NHS research framework.