"I know the stage that you are at… I’ve been there and made a decision. My reason for needing money was for my research, and ICON Development Solutions came to the rescue. I appreciate that it is a big step to accept being a volunteer on such studies. I can assure you it is an experience I will not hesitate to repeat again.

I found ICON Development Solutions staff very accommodating and very friendly, totally competent and professional. The studies themselves are conducted with the volunteer’s interest at heart.
When one is doing a long or short study, boredom is the biggest hurdle. When I first undertook a study, there was only one television! Doing a study now is a doddle! Particularly when you can request videos, board games, newspapers, play pool, and sit outside in the fresh air.

I usually looked at it as a period of recuperation. Some of my colleagues brought work with them, others played a game of pool. Some studies involve being woken early, but don’t worry, you will have plenty of opportunity to catch up on your rest.

Now I sit on the independent ethics committee. I was told that my experience as a long-standing volunteer would be valuable. Any study that you may wish to participate in, even before being finalised on paper, is scrutinised thoroughly by the ethics committee with the interest of the volunteer in mind.

The ethics committee comprises professional people, including doctors, pharmacists, legal people, a nurse and non-technical people like myself. Therefore, hardly anything passes without question.
I hope I have been helpful to you in making a decision, and hope to see you on a study soon."

Mr. N.B.
Former Volunteer and Ethics Committee Member.

"Enjoyed the study, everyone was friendly and helpful"

"The nurses looked after me really well."

"The food is varied and of good quality."

"Always feel comfortable in taking part in a study – competence of staff. Compensation is very good, and information provided is detailed."

"I have been at ICON Development Solutions for over 3½ years now, and I have always found the staff to be very helpful during all studies."

"The study was conducted very well. I had a very enjoyable time at ICON Development Solutions and was very well looked after. Could have done with more food, but on the whole, very good, and I’ll be back in 3 months!"

"Fantastic staff and well kept environment made my stay most enjoyable."

"Staff very friendly and helpful. Look forward to the next study."

"The study was fine, and was better for me because I didn’t have to stay overnight, so could continue to work, apart from the long days I had to spend in the unit. This study suited me because it fit in with my everyday schedule."