About this role
Job summary
Number of positions: 2
Salary:£39,959 to £48,000 FTE pro rata
Working Pattern: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week
Job Location:To be agreed; travel across DHC, participating practices and partner locations will be required
Professional registration required:Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Nurse to join the DHC Research Team and support the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of clinical research across the Federation. Working with the DHC Research Clinical Lead, Research Assistant, participating Primary Care Networks and GP practices, you will coordinate a portfolio of studies from feasibility and set-up through participant identification, informed consent, study visits, follow-up and close-down. You will provide research nursing expertise, support practices to become research active, and ensure activity is delivered in accordance with approved protocols, Good Clinical Practice, professional standards and DHC policies.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will coordinate allocated studies across one or more practices, reviewing protocols, contributing to feasibility assessments and ensuring approvals, agreements, training, delegation and local arrangements are in place before study activity begins. They will identify and screen potential participants, assess eligibility within professional competence, provide study information, support informed consent and deliver protocol-required visits. Clinical activity may include observations, venepuncture, cannulation, ECG acquisition, spirometry, urinalysis, sample processing and, where authorised and competent, administration of study medication or interventions. The Research Nurse will monitor participant safety, report adverse events and protocol deviations, maintain accurate source data and study records, support audits and inspections, manage delivery risks, and work with the Research Assistant on trackers, site files, data queries and follow-up requirements. They will also build research capability within practices and PCNs, promote equitable access, support research training and awareness, and share learning to help embed evidence and best practice in clinical services.
About us
Dorking Healthcare Ltd is an independent NHS organisation working across primary care. Our research service works with practices and external academic, NHS and commercial partners to increase high-quality research activity, translate learning into clinical practice and improve care for local populations.
You will join a collaborative, improvement-focused team committed to safe, person-centred care, inclusion, professional development and continuous learning.
The benefits we offer include:
Competitive salariesMembership of the NHS pension scheme 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service Access to an Employee Assistance Programme Opportunities for training, development and career progression Some of our sites have free on-site parking (subject to availability) We aim to be an employer of choice and conduct annual staff satisfaction surveys DHC actively encourages diversity, ensures voices are heard and included, and is committed to equal opportunities for all.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job purpose
The Research Nurse will work with the DHC Research Clinical Lead, Research Assistant, participating Primary Care Networks and GP practices to support the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of clinical research across the Federation.
The post holder will coordinate and deliver a portfolio of studies from feasibility and set-up through participant identification, informed consent, study visits, follow-up and close-down. They will provide research nursing expertise, support practices to become research active, and ensure that study activity is undertaken in accordance with approved protocols, Good Clinical Practice, professional standards and DHC policies.
The role complements the DHC Research Assistant. The Research Assistant provides administrative, project and study coordination support, while the Research Nurse holds responsibility for delegated clinical activity, participant assessment and care, clinical procedures, safety monitoring and professional nursing decisions within their competence.
DHC and the research service
DHC is a GP Federation supporting general practice in Surrey and delivering a range of community-based healthcare services. DHC places people at the centre of its work and develops services with local practices, Primary Care Networks and system partners.
The research service works with practices and external academic, NHS and commercial partners to increase high-quality research activity, translate learning into clinical practice and improve care for local populations. The Research Nurse will act as a visible clinical point of contact for studies delivered across DHC and participating practices.
Key working relationships
DHC Research Clinical Lead and Research Assistant DHC clinical, operational, governance, finance and digital teams GP partners, practice managers and multidisciplinary practice teams Primary Care Network clinical directors and teams Principal Investigators, Chief Investigators and study teams Study sponsors, contract research organisations and academic partners NIHR Research Delivery Network colleagues and research support services Research participants, patients, carers and members of the public Pharmacy, laboratory, courier and other support services where relevant to a study
Main duties and responsibilities
Research study set-up and coordination
Review study protocols and associated documentation to understand clinical requirements, participant pathways, resource implications and delivery risks. Contribute to robust feasibility assessments, including realistic estimates of eligible populations, recruitment potential, workforce requirements, clinical procedures, equipment and practice capacity. Support confirmation that required approvals, agreements, training, delegation and local arrangements are in place before study activity begins. Coordinate allocated studies across one or more practices, maintaining oversight of milestones, recruitment targets, follow-up schedules, amendments, monitoring requirements and close-down activity. Work closely with the Research Assistant to maintain accurate study trackers, site files, training records, delegation logs, version-controlled documents and communications.
Participant identification, recruitment and care
Identify and screen potential participants using approved study criteria and authorised clinical systems or searches. Assess eligibility within the scope of professional competence and liaise with the Principal Investigator or delegated clinician where clinical confirmation is required. Provide clear verbal and written study information, answer questions and support individuals to make a voluntary and informed decision about participation. Undertake or support the informed consent process where appropriately trained, delegated and permitted by the protocol. Plan and deliver protocol-required participant visits, maintaining continuity, dignity, privacy and a positive participant experience. Provide ongoing information and support to participants and carers and escalate clinical concerns promptly through the agreed pathway. Promote equitable access to research and adapt communication and delivery approaches to meet individual needs and reach underserved groups.Clinical research delivery
Undertake study-specific clinical assessments and procedures within competence and delegation. These may include observations, venepuncture, cannulation, ECG acquisition, spirometry, urinalysis, height, weight and other protocol-defined measurements. Collect, label, process, store and arrange transportation of biological samples in accordance with the protocol, laboratory manual and local procedures. Administer study medication or interventions only where authorised, trained, competent and appropriately delegated, and in accordance with the protocol and medicines management arrangements. Monitor participants for expected and unexpected effects, recognise deterioration or safety concerns, and take appropriate clinical action. Maintain equipment, calibration and temperature-monitoring records relevant to allocated studies, reporting defects or excursions promptly.
Safety, governance and quality
Deliver research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice, the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, applicable clinical trial regulations, approved protocols, ethical requirements and DHC policies. Record, assess within professional scope, and report adverse events, serious adverse events, incidents, protocol deviations and safeguarding concerns within required timescales. Maintain participant confidentiality and process personal and research data lawfully, accurately and securely. Ensure source data, participant records and case report forms are complete, contemporaneous, attributable and available for verification. Support monitoring visits, audits and inspections, respond to data queries and implement agreed corrective and preventive actions. Identify and escalate risks or barriers affecting participant safety, data quality, recruitment, retention, timelines or study delivery. Contribute to the development, review and consistent use of research standard operating procedures and work instructions.Data, performance and reporting
Enter and validate research data on paper and electronic systems accurately and within study timescales, maintaining a clear audit trail. Maintain accurate recruitment and activity records and provide progress information to the Research Clinical Lead, investigators, sponsors and relevant research networks. Work with the Research Assistant to resolve missing data, document queries, follow-up requirements and study administration issues. Use recruitment, retention, quality and delivery information to identify improvement opportunities and recommend practical action.Engagement and capacity building
Build effective relationships with practices and PCNs, including teams with limited research experience, and support them to develop confidence and capacity to participate in research. Promote relevant study opportunities to clinicians, staff, patients and communities using approved materials and messages. Support study initiation, training and research awareness sessions for DHC and practice staff. Share learning from research activity and contribute to embedding evidence and best practice into clinical services. Represent DHC professionally at relevant internal and external meetings, study meetings and research events.Professional practice and team contribution
Work at all times within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code, professional scope of practice and DHC clinical governance arrangements. Maintain professional registration, revalidation, mandatory training, Good Clinical Practice training and study-specific competencies. Manage and prioritise a varied workload across locations, working autonomously while seeking advice or escalation when required. Provide day-to-day clinical guidance and support to the Research Assistant and other colleagues without transferring responsibility for tasks outside their role or competence. Support induction, peer learning and development of staff involved in research delivery. Participate in supervision, appraisal, continuing professional development and service improvement activity.
General responsibilities
Confidentiality and information governance: Protect confidential and personal information and comply with DHC information governance, records management and data protection requirements.
Safeguarding: Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns in accordance with DHC procedures and statutory responsibilities.
Infection prevention and control: Follow DHC and site-specific infection prevention and control policies and maintain safe clinical practice.
Health, safety and risk: Take reasonable care of personal and others safety, follow lone-working and incident-reporting procedures, and escalate risks.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: Treat participants, carers, colleagues and partners with dignity and respect, promote inclusion and make reasonable adjustments within the role.
Sustainability: Use resources responsibly and support environmentally sustainable ways of working where consistent with safe study delivery.
Flexibility: Travel between DHC, practice and partner sites as required. Some study activity may require flexibility outside normal working hours, subject to contractual arrangements and reasonable notice.
This job description describes the principal duties of the post and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder to reflect service development, changes in research delivery and organisational need, provided they remain appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Research Governance and Clinical Skills Essential
Current or recent Good Clinical Practice training, or willingness to complete before undertaking delegated research activity. Understanding of informed consent, participant safety, confidentiality and accurate source documentation. Competence in venepuncture, or willingness and ability to complete competency-based training. Ability to undertake clinical observations and maintain accurate records.
Desirable
Knowledge of the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and clinical trial regulatory requirements. Cannulation, ECG, spirometry, sample processing, vaccination or study medication experience, where relevant.
Experience Essential
Post-registration nursing experience and evidence of safe autonomous clinical practice. Experience of assessing patients, recognising deterioration and escalating concerns.
Desirable
Experience in primary care, community care or clinical research.
Qualifications Essential
Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Desirable
Degree-level study or equivalent relevant experience; post-registration research or clinical qualification.
Communication and Partnership Working Essential
Excellent written and verbal communication. Ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively to participants, carers and professionals. Ability to build constructive relationships across clinical, operational and external partner teams and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary working.
Desirable
Experience presenting or delivering training to staff or stakeholder groups. Experience supporting research-naive sites or community engagement.
Digital and Data Skills Essential
Confident use of Microsoft 365 and clinical or research data systems, with accurate data entry and a clear understanding of audit trails.
Desirable
Experience of electronic case report forms, primary care clinical systems or research reporting systems.
Values, Behaviours and Practical Requirements Essential
Commitment to safe, person-centred care; integrity; inclusion; continuous improvement; accountability; teamwork; flexibility; and learning. Ability to travel between DHC, practice and partner locations in a timely manner.
Desirable
Evidence of supporting service development or quality improvement. Full UK driving licence and access to transport, subject to reasonable adjustments.
Study Delivery and Organisation Essential
Ability to interpret and work to detailed protocols, manage participant visits and coordinate competing deadlines with close attention to detail. Ability to plan and prioritise a mobile workload, work independently, maintain reliable documentation and escalate appropriately.
Desirable
Experience of study set-up, feasibility, recruitment, consent, follow-up, monitoring visits, close-down or commercial research. Experience coordinating work across multiple sites or organisations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Dorking Healthcare Ltd.
Address Holmhurst Medical Centre
12 Thornton Side
Redhill
Surrey
RH1 2NP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://dhcclinical.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)