Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority
Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority

Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team as a Business Analyst, driving health research solutions and improving processes.
  • Company: The Health Research Authority champions patient interests in health and social care research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, NHS pensions, and discounts while contributing to meaningful projects.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and innovation in health research.
  • Qualifications: Must have a recognised Business Analyst certification and relevant degree or experience.
  • Other info: Home-based roles available in Manchester, Nottingham, or Bristol; apply early as positions may close quickly.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The HRA is a dynamic organisation, delivering excellent services through its committees, simplifying the health research process and championing research in the NHS. We hope that you are as enthused by our vision, our plans and our operations as we are.

The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.

Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements.

Job overview

As a Business Analyst you will be part of a highly successful team working within the HRA Digital Directorate, supporting the development and delivery of complexsolutions within the HRA’s portfolio of national information systems for health research.

These currently include a major programme to build a new research application and workflow system, the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems (IRAS and HARP) and the implementation of a new service management system (HaloITSM).

You will liaise with internal stakeholders (business, technical and project management teams). External stakeholder management will also be required as you will be liaising with HRA partners and system suppliers to ensure that the system requirements of all stakeholders are understood and clearly defined. This will involve the production of complex specifications using different tools and techniques (e.g., user stories, acceptance criteria, workshop facilitation, business process mapping) to enable the recommendation of solutions.

For those IT systems being developed in an agile environment, the business analyst will take part in daily scrums, presenting complex information to large groups, including senior stakeholders, at show and tells and play a key role in sprint planning.

This role requires a professional business analysis qualification and expertise in business analysis, process mapping, stakeholder engagement, and IT service management frameworks.

For this role there is possibility of permanent role due to multiple positions available.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

Leading on medium size complex projects and supporting larger projects.

Working closely and effectively with a diverse group of senior level internal and external business and IT stakeholders to identify, document, and analyse complex requirements to produce requirements documentation, user stories and acceptance criteria that will be signed off by stakeholders and used to quality assure the development.

Developing a detailed and expert understanding of HRA work areas and policies through the documenting of existing and designing of new processes.

Supporting the implementation of an effective support structure for all HRA systems, ensuring successful deployment and user acceptance testing (UAT) of systems.

Support the design and implementation of improved and aligned service processes that drive consistency, standardisation, and efficiency of the BA function

You will work closely with the business and technical teams contributing to the production of complex requirement specification documentation, including writing technical business and functional requirements.

Playing an active role in the HRA BA community, collaborating in the sharing and development of best practice.

Working for our organisation

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that help us to deliver the best services.

We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. This includes:
• age
• disability
• ethnicity
• gender identity and expression
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation
• other diverse characteristics

We have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for you, we’ll do our best to make it work for us.

Please note, if applying to our Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role sits within HRA Digital. The HRA Digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRA’s portfolio or national information systems for health research. This includes a major programme to build a new Integrated Research Application and Workflow system and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems (IRAS and HARP).

The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors.
To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached.

In submitting your application with us, please note the following:

We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.

We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.

Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the
information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.

The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Person specification

Qualifications

  • Recognised Business Analyst certification (either BCS Professional or IIBA CCBA/CBAP certifications)
  • Educated to Degree level in a relevant area or equivalent experience showing capability to work at this level
  • Agile certification or experience of working on agile developments

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

  • Planning, arranging and facilitating meetings and workshops with stakeholders throughout the business change and product development lifecycle
  • Support the configuration and implementation of new processes.
  • Knowledge of ITIL 4 principles and ITSM best practices

Experience

  • Working as a Business Analyst supporting digital projects or programmes in multi-stakeholder environments
  • Producing timely progress reports and updates
  • Producing detailed technical user stories and acceptance criteria
  • Experience of working with/implementing IT service management tools (e.g., ServiceNow, HaloITSM)
  • Working in health research, the public sector and/or in line with the government digital service standard

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills

Interpersonal Skills

  • A self-starter, highly self-motivated and disciplined, able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines

Qualifications

  • Evidence of commitment to ongoing personal and professional development and training

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise:

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to gather, understand, interpret and disseminate information across all levels to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Other

  • Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

  • Working with internal and external business and IT stakeholders, to ensuring business requirements are clearly understood and documented by analysing, capturing and identifying stakeholder perspectives
  • Proficient in the use of a range of business analyst and project management methodologies and tools

Experience

  • Experience in supporting user acceptance testing (UAT) and process implementation

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

  • Identify, document and analyse current services through process mapping and business process reengineering to assess the impact of new processes
  • Ability to analyse complex logical problems and business requirements and translate them into effective system requirements

Interpersonal Skills

  • A flexible team player, able to adapt to changing needs and contribute to a high performing team

In return for your commitment, we offer excellent opportunities for personal development and a healthy work-life balance. The HRA is committed to promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality. We welcome and encourage applications, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity and gender expression, disability, race, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, sex or sexual orientation or any other personal circumstances. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made upon request, for candidates with a disability. The HRA welcomes applicants who are interested in flexible working including job share, part time work, secondments or home-based working. Please discuss any preferred flexibility at your interview.

The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

The HRA does not hold a sponsor licence in respect of skilled worker visas and so is unable to employ candidates requiring sponsorship.

In order to be considered for this position you must address the criteria outlined in the person specification in your supporting statement. You will be considered based on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered. All contact is made via our Trac recruitment system. Please check your account regularly.

After applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into our Third-party recruitment system. All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs. If you are appointed to a post, information will also be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

If you have a query relating to your application, please contact the recruitment team on HRA.hrqueries@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or 0300 330 9416.

The NHSBSA is responsible for the processing of your application; a privacy notice is available at the following link to advise you on how we will process your personal data.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The HRA offers a variety of career paths for its staff as well as a wide range of benefits, including NHS pensions and discounts.

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Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority employer: Health Research Authority

The Health Research Authority (HRA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes personal development. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being, the HRA empowers its staff to thrive while contributing to meaningful health research initiatives that benefit patients and the public. Located in a supportive digital team, employees have the opportunity to engage in innovative projects that simplify health research processes and enhance their professional skills.
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Contact Detail:

Health Research Authority Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the HRA's mission and recent projects. Understanding their goals and current initiatives will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the HRA, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your agile methodologies and IT service management frameworks, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss your experience with these concepts confidently will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to showcase your stakeholder engagement skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups, as this is a key aspect of the Business Analyst role at the HRA.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority

Business Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Process Mapping
Agile Methodologies
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Technical Documentation
IT Service Management (ITSM)
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Facilitation Skills
Knowledge of ITIL 4 Principles
Experience with Digital Projects
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Business Analyst position at the Health Research Authority. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your supporting statement, focus on your experience in business analysis, particularly in digital projects or multi-stakeholder environments. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex requirements and stakeholder engagement.

Address the Person Specification: Ensure that you directly address each criterion outlined in the person specification within your application. This is crucial as applications that do not demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria will not be shortlisted.

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly articulate your motivation for applying, your understanding of the HRA's mission, and how you can contribute to their goals. Use clear and concise language, and ensure it reflects your commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Health Research Authority

✨Understand the HRA's Vision

Before your interview, take some time to research the Health Research Authority's mission and recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios

Given the importance of liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder management. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to gather requirements and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

✨Showcase Your Agile Experience

Since the role involves working in an agile environment, be prepared to talk about your experience with agile methodologies. Highlight any specific projects where you contributed to sprint planning or participated in daily scrums.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

The role requires excellent analytical skills. Be ready to discuss complex problems you've solved in previous roles, particularly those related to business analysis or IT service management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Business Analyst (NHS AfC: Band 6) - Health Research Authority
Health Research Authority
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