Head of Research Governance

Job Summary

You will play an important role in supporting NHSBT’s world-renowned research and development programme by leading a small team of specialists who support our researchers in their work, ensure appropriate governance policies are in place and actioned.

This national role is critical to the successful delivery of our research priorities. You will have responsibility for NHSBT’s Research Governance Office and work within the Statistics and Clinical Research Department. You will work closely with NHSBT’s Medical Directors, R&D Leads, Chief Scientific Officer and other departments to highlight, support and deliver our research priorities.

Our research activities are unique – within the public, private and academic sectors there are no other organisations capable of delivering research that spans all our products and services.

This post is in a busy Research Governance Office and provides a unique opportunity to establish your skills and expertise in an evolving environment.

Main duties

In this role you will be leading the delivery of the NHSBT’s research priorities and managing research governance processes. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Leading in the continuous development and delivery of the services provided by the Research Governance Office, providing comprehensive professional and administrative systems for the management and review of research projects and robust systems for approval of research.
2. Initiating, developing and maintaining a rolling Research Governance Office Work plan – managing multiple, complex projects relating to improved management of research activities.
3. Working across NHSBT Operational Directorates to ensure that research activities are aligned with overall research priorities and enhance translatable outputs of research.
4. Managing internal research funding opportunities for external funding, the post-holder is responsible for liaising with the NIHR, DHSC or other bodies as required.
5. Working closely with the Assistant Director – Statistics and Clinical Research department, which includes the NHSBT Clinical Trials Unit, to continuously improve the quality of research governance within the organisation. Other stakeholders include but are not limited to NHSBT Medical Directors, Principal Investigators, researchers (including students).
6. Playing a key role in strategy development, implementing changes that arise as part of this.

Occasionally, you will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

1. Experience and detailed, specialist knowledge of the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care and working within an R&D management role, including Sponsorship oversight and ensuring R&D research governance and regulatory compliance at organisational level.
2. Proven record of creating and managing complex databases and having high-level IT skills, including the use of project management software, extensive use of Word, PowerPoint and Excel and excellent and accurate minute-taking skills.
3. Experience of managing complex and changing R&D budgets and delivering against stretching organisational targets, approving large funding requests and developing future budgets and business cases across a number of R&D portfolios/directorates.
4. Proven ability to make proposals, enact and support strategic and business changes in line with being the specialist lead for R&D across an organisation e.g., interpreting relevant national guidance and regulations for adoption into an organisation.
5. Experience in implementing change to service delivery, including establishment and running of a patient and public involvement panel to support NHSBT researchers.
6. Experience of leading a team and delivering through people in terms of leading, developing and influencing others.
7. Experience of working within a commercial or academic research environment.
8. Experience of effective Project Management.

Qualifications and Training

1. Masters degree in biological sciences or research related subject or equivalent specialist knowledge gained through extensive relevant experience in research governance and management.
2. Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

About Us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.

By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference – Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we\’ll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer:

1. A starting salary of £62,215 – £72,293 per annum in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC).
2. A full-time, 14 months Fixed Term leadership opportunity to join as a Band 8b, and progress with NHSBT.
3. An hybrid working opportunity with a base in any of our main centres in England, including Bristol (preferred), London, Barnsley or Birmingham.
4. 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
5. NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at:
6. We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 19^th February 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be held week of 3^rd March 2025 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact; Yomi Adegbaju, at Head of Research Governance .

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