SPARK CIF | St James's Hospital

SPARK Consultant Innovation Fund

The SPARK Consultant Innovation Fund empowers Consultants on the Public Only Consultant Contract 2023 to be leaders of change by funding projects that introduce novel ideas, processes, or technologies to enhance service delivery. Eligible Consultants can apply for up to €8,000 per annum to support translational research and innovation projects aimed at improving patient care, and they may pool funds with other eligible Consultants for a maximum of €50,000 per innovation/research project.

Scope of Spark Consultant Fund Project

The innovation fund provides funding for innovation and translational research projects that are not covered under the normal allocation of equipment/staff/infrastructure/other resources by the employer and are directed at patient care.

Innovation is defined as a novel idea, process, innovative/translational research, technological support, or new way of working that represents a ‘positive change’ in the way in which services are currently designed or delivered in practice.

Examples include:

Innovation in terms of piloting a new development
Equipment/diagnostic appliances etc. necessary to support the above
Service enhancements / improvements to the clinical pathway
Innovative research / supporting the translation of research into practice and new ways of delivering services

Overview of the Process

This section provides an overview of the process. Click on the steps below to learn more about each stage of the application and implementation pathway. You can find more information in the CIF-Pre-Approval Guidance and Consultant Innovation Fund Guidance document

Identify a need in your clinical area or practice. This could involve improving a service, redesigning a process, or introducing new equipment or technology. Your idea may come from your own experience or from collaboration with colleagues across different settings.
Discuss your idea with your Clinician Director, Executive Clinical Director, or Line Manager. Their endorsement ensures the project is supported, feasible, and can be sustainably implemented within your service.
Submit your proposal through the Consultant Innovation Fund Pre‑Submission Application Form by 16 January 2026 to receive feedback before 06 March 2026.

The SPARK Team will review your proposal, identify challenges, and suggest opportunities for design or additional support.
Applications submitted after the deadline are not eligible for feedback.
Before the formal application, you must obtain local approval through the SJH CIF Pre‑Approval Application Form.
This review checks feasibility, viability, and alignment with hospital requirements.
You may only proceed to the formal application once SJH pre‑approval is granted.

The deadline for the SJH pre-approval is 15 March 2026.
Submit the Consultant Innovation Fund Formal Application via the HSE application portal by 03 April 2026.
Your application will be assessed using the CIF guidance and the Application Assessment Checklist.
No changes can be made after submission.
Once your implementation plan is finalised, both you and your Clinician Director / Executive Clinical Director / Line Manager must formally sign off.

You will receive a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) confirming the terms of the fund.
After the signed MOA is submitted to the R&I Office, funding will be transferred to your site.

Transfers are scheduled for February, April, and May 2026.
All documentation must reach the SPARK Team by the 6th of each month to be included in that month’s transfer.
Your project can now begin. You will have the remaining calendar year to use the awarded funding as outlined in your MOA.
The SPARK Team will continue to support you with check‑ins, mentoring, advice, and feedback.

Hospital approval to continue is dependent on submitting progress updates as required.