About this role
Job summary
The Study Support Service Manager will assume a key leadership position in the Regional RDN (RRDN) Study Support Service, which will be seamlessly integrated within the collective national Study Support Service, which serves as the cornerstone of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), facilitating the effective delivery of studies throughout the system while enhancing strategic capacity and capability.
The role will be entrusted with the delivery of critical services across a defined portfolio of specialties and settings. These encompass pre-approval services such as Planning and Placement Service/national cost and attribution tools, as well as post-approval services including portfolio oversight and on-request services. Central to the role is the cultivation of a robust knowledge base within the assigned portfolio area, achieved through the establishment of communities of practice with relevant study and site delivery teams. By facilitating the exchange of best practices, the post-holder will ensure optimal study performance as required. The role will also work in collaboration with Regional Specialty and Setting Leads, actively engaging in regional and national improvement projects, aligning efforts with strategic objectives, and fostering continuous improvement (CI) across the network.
Main duties of the job
Please refer to the attached Job Description for a full overview of the main duties for this job role.
About us
The RDN builds on the successes of the CRN in supporting the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health and care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and the economy. The RDN will support:
Clinical trials and other well-designed health and social care research studies (including studies that are delivered outside of an NHS setting); Public health studies that require the recruitment of individuals within an NHS setting (that is, acute, ambulance, mental health, community or primary care) or an episode of care which involves contact with the NHS.
The RDN is a new organisation with new structures, governance and ways of working. Study delivery in England will be supported through 12 NIHR Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs). These will work with the national Coordinating Centre (RDNCC) and the Department of Health and Care to provide a joint RDN leadership function via the RDN Board, so that the NIHR RDN as a whole functions as a single, transparent organisation with a shared vision and purpose. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust will be the Host Organisation for the South London RRDN region.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description for a full overview of the main responsibilities for this role.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
Postgraduate qualification (eg. Postgraduate Diploma) in a relevant subject or equivalent level of experience.
Desirable
Training in project management Degree in health or science discipline Evidence of continual professional development
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Comprehensive understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients Comprehensive understanding of life science industry's needs and requirements with regard to health and care research High level of understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS Specialist knowledge of RDN Portfolio eligibility (including terms and conditions) and of cost attribution (ACoRD, SoECATs, NCVR) Knowledge of national systems, structures and processes for supporting clinical research in NHS and non-NHS settings Understanding of the UK research pathway and funding Experience of delivering health and care research support services
Desirable
Professional operational research leadership at system level Experience of direct line management and managing colleagues to deliver clear objectives and performance targets
Skills and Abilities Essential
Proven interpersonal skills to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations Strong problem-solving skills, including a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential future issues Ability to communicate difficult information both orally and in writing, both internally to colleagues and externally to a range of audiences Ability to deliver complex projects involving multiple agencies and individuals Empathetic approach to resolving conflict, with the ability to work with sensitivity and tact Demonstrable leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills
Values and Personal Qualities Essential
Flexible approach to working and enthusiastic attitude towards challenges Constantly strives for improvement, bringing a 'can do' attitude and seeking out innovation Meticulous attention to detail, exhibiting thoroughness and efficiency Acts as a champion for patients, carers, the public and their interests, ensuring the public voice has an impact on RDN activities Takes a professional approach to all interactions, remaining diplomatic under pressure and fostering a solution-focused environment Promotes inclusion within and beyond the organisation, listening to, involving, respecting and learning from the contribution of others Highly motivated with the ability to lead and inspire others, internally and externally to the organisation
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address Guy's Hospital
Guy's Hospital
London
SE1 9RT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)