‘We expect you to search worldwide for an existing way to achieve your outcome before you start your R&D activities. We expect your records to show how you did this’. (RDTI Guidance, 2022)

R&D Consultant Partners across the Synnch subscriber base are experiencing an increase in regulator requests for records demonstrating how experimental outcomes cannot be known or determined in advance – before commencement of any R&D activity.

An often overlooked, but critical component of the self-assessment process, demonstrating unknown technical outcomes is proving to be an achilles heel for many claimants experiencing regulator review and/or activity. Concerned your clients may be skipping this important task? Read on to learn more about how Synnch can help.

Synnch introduced the background research record type in 2020. It's simple operation allows the user to record one of five background research categories in line with current guidance, or an ‘other’ category. Users can create a record comprised of multiple background research types, add any corresponding attachments or links, then create a timesheet for any date range or team member.

As part of any subscribers onboard to Synnch, their first recordkeeping task is to document their R&D activity and the effort involved year to date. This includes the creation of the background research records for each core activity added to the system. Subscribers can be resistant to do this, but once reminded that their time cost in conducting background research can be eligible R&D expenditure they’re usually happy to comply.

Whether added as a staff member or contractor, system users (administrators) can upload a CV for their users in Synnch, and request expert opinions as part of a background research record. This can be especially useful when contractors hold the technical project context needed to demonstrate unknown technical outcomes.

Given the increased regulator interest around this part of the self-assessment process, the Synnch product team are adding some enhancements to ensure background research can be captured for every active core activity in the system prior to financial year end. Users will be able to ‘snooze’ or ‘delegate’ the task within their team, but the system will automate reminders to ensure this critical task is completed.