At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and support 1,000 members in research ethics.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on ethical research and member support.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, remote work, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research ethics while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're seeking an enthusiastic and experienced volunteer manager to lead our Member Support Team in delivering a high-quality Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) service. The postholder will oversee the effective end‑to‑end management of the member lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, induction, development, retention, and performance management. There are approximately 1,000 members and the postholder will ensure that REC and CAG membership is appropriately constituted, sustainable and aligned with relevant legislation, policy and operational requirements. The postholder will be responsible for resolving complex and sensitive member matters in line with organisational policies, and for leading the development and improvement of member service standards, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to service delivery. The role requires the ability to effectively prioritise competing demands, identify and implement process improvements and support the team to manage a large and complex membership within a high‑volume, fast‑response operational environment. The postholder will work collaboratively with internal colleagues, other UK nations and external stakeholders, using strong influencing, persuasion and communication skills to convey complex information clearly.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the Member Support Team to deliver a high‑quality REC and CAG service, ensuring membership is appropriately constituted, sustainable and aligned with relevant legislation, policy and operational requirements.
- Manage the end‑to‑end member lifecycle of approximately 1,000 members, including recruitment, onboarding, induction, development, retention and performance management.
- Develop and improve member service standards, ensuring that membership capacity, capability and conduct enable timely, robust and high‑quality ethics review and confidentiality advice.
- Identify and mitigate risks to service delivery, taking appropriate action to maintain service performance.
- Resolve complex and sensitive member matters in line with organisational policies.
- Collaborate with operational teams and stakeholders across the UK to support the ongoing development and assurance of UK REC and CAG services.
- Communicate complex information clearly through high‑quality presentations and reports.
- Prioritise competing demands, identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and enable the team to manage a large and complex membership.
Qualifications, experience and skills
- Post‑graduate leadership qualification or equivalent experience.
- Significant demonstrable and relevant experience in a volunteer management or volunteer recruitment role equivalent to a degree, and / or a degree related to the subject.
- Significant experience in team leadership and service delivery within a high‑volume, complex environment.
- Proven experience in service improvement, change management and (desirably) training design and delivery.
- Ability to analyse complex data and stakeholder feedback to inform decision‑making, service improvements and operational policy.
- Strong relationship‑building and team leadership capability to deliver high‑quality, collaborative outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage, support and manage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of research ethics frameworks including UK REC policy documents and relevant UK legislation (e.g., Clinical Trials Regulations, GCP).
- Advanced data analysis and reporting skills (including Excel), with excellent organisational, problem‑solving and prioritisation abilities.
- Ability to analyse information and make decisions managing sensitive member issues and balancing competing priorities.
- Flexibility to travel across the UK, including occasional overnight stays.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Working arrangements
- Full‑time, mandatory flexible working.
- Home or remote working is available.
- Compressed hours are an option.
Location
For the Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations the role must be home‑based.
Legal and equal opportunity statements
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, disabilities, gender identities, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, sexes, sexual orientations and any other diverse characteristics and have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check must be carried out.
Member Management and Development Specialist in Manchester employer: Health Research Authority
As a leading organisation in research ethics and confidentiality advisory services, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. Our Member Management and Development Specialist role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while working flexibly from home in vibrant locations like Manchester, Nottingham, or Bristol, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on high-quality service delivery, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Member Management and Development Specialist in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local HR Initiatives
Join local HR networks or volunteering organisations to meet professionals and get the inside scoop on opportunities. Attend workshops, seminars, or meetups, where you can mingle and showcase your passion for HR.
✨Tap into University Resources
If you’re a student or recent grad, leverage your university’s career services. They often have leads on volunteer positions tailored for students wanting to break into HR. Plus, your campus might host HR clubs or events where you can network with potential mentors.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Experience
When applying for HR volunteer roles, highlight any previous experience—even if it’s not strictly HR-related. Skills in event management, conflict resolution, or communication are all gold for this industry, so don’t hold back!
✨Apply Through Our Platform
When you find volunteer HR roles, especially with organisations like Health Research Authority, make sure to apply through our website. It streamlines your application and ensures we can help you connect with the right opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Member Management and Development Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, it's all about communication and understanding people. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had working with teams, resolving conflicts, or supporting colleagues. If you've organised events or trained others, we want to hear about it!
Display Your Commitment to Learning:As this is a volunteer role, companies like Health Research Authority will appreciate a clear indication of your motivation and willingness to learn. In your cover letter, mention why you're passionate about HR and what you hope to gain from the experience. Show us you’re eager to grow!
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:If you've taken any courses related to HR—like psychology, management, or even specific HR certifications—make sure to list them. They show you're not just interested in HR; you're taking steps to build your knowledge. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
Keep it Simple but Authentic:With volunteering, we often look for genuine personality traits over a flashy CV. Keep your application straightforward and sincere. Share a bit about your personal journey and why you want to volunteer at Health Research Authority. Authenticity goes a long way with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Health Research Authority
✨Show Your Passion for People
Since you're applying for a volunteer role in human resources, enthusiasm for helping others is key. Share personal stories or experiences where you’ve supported people or resolved conflicts. This will show that you genuinely care about the role and the impact you can make at Health Research Authority.
✨Understand the Volunteer Space
Volunteer roles often focus on community engagement and support. Research how Health Research Authority engages their volunteers and ask about their initiatives. This insight will not only impress your interviewers but also help you connect your motivations with their mission.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
You might not have extensive HR experience, but that's okay! Focus on skills like communication, empathy, and organisation. Think about times you’ve coordinated events or led a group project, as these experiences can showcase your abilities fitting into a volunteer HR position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
You may encounter scenario-based questions specific to human resources, like how you would handle a conflict between volunteers or assist in recruitment for events. Practice responding to these types of questions, showcasing your problem-solving skills and how you’d apply them in a real-world context at Health Research Authority.
