<p>THIS EMPLOYMENT brief (RCN 1998) is a research-based report for nurses, employers and clinical research nurses (CRNs) in NHS trusts and GP practices. It was developed specifically for RCN staff and negotiators to set standards for employment, pay and conditions of service for its members, taking into account skills, knowledge and responsibilities associated with their position in research. The brief for CRNs was developed in response to a report sent to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) from the Association of Clinical Research for the Pharmaceutical Industry (ACRPI), highlighting the need for the RCN to recognise the role of the clinical nurse (ACRPI 1996).</p>