Portfolio Eligibility Officer in Gildersome

An established national research organisation is seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Portfolio Eligibility Officer to support the delivery of a national research portfolio eligibility service. This role plays a key part in ensuring research studies are accurately assessed for eligibility, recorded within national systems, and supported through clear, timely decision-making. The successful candidate will provide high-quality administrative, coordination, and data management support, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders across the health and care research system. You will work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment that supports national research delivery, organisational transformation, and continuous service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Eligibility & Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support for the delivery of a national Portfolio Eligibility Service. Receive, log, validate, and process research study applications in line with Department of Health and Social Care eligibility policy and standard operating procedures. Ensure eligibility decisions are communicated clearly and within agreed timelines. Act as a key point of contact for customers and stakeholders, providing updates on application progress and eligibility processes.
• Data, Systems & Reporting: Maintain accurate records within national information and data management systems. Develop and maintain tracking and reporting tools to monitor application progress, performance metrics, and service outputs. Produce regular reports to support service monitoring, performance review, and continuous improvement. Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with organisational policies and guidance.
• Stakeholder Liaison & Service Improvement: Liaise daily with internal colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders. Assist in identifying operational issues and elevate emerging risks or delays using agreed escalation routes. Support the use of customer feedback and performance measures to improve service quality and user experience. Contribute to discussions on process improvement, system development, and service transformation initiatives. Support testing and implementation of new or improved digital systems and communication tools.
• Additional Responsibilities: Coordinate the assessment process for research funders seeking non-commercial partner status. Work flexibly to support organisational change, transformation programmes, and evolving ways of working. Provide mutual support to colleagues and contribute positively to team culture and shared objectives.

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience in an administrative, coordination, or operational support role, ideally within the public sector, research, health, or higher education.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines, and work flexibly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Experience providing customer service or stakeholder support in a structured or regulated environment.
• Experience managing information, maintaining databases, and producing clear, accurate reports.
• Strong IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and data management systems.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and resolve problems efficiently, knowing when to escalate.
• Demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and guidance accurately and consistently.
• Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within research administration, portfolio management, grants, funding, or eligibility services.
• Experience supporting change management or transformation programmes.
• Familiarity with eligibility frameworks, compliance processes, or quality assurance environments.

Values & Ways of Working

• Proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach.
• Flexible and adaptable to organisational change.
• Committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality service delivery.
• Inclusive, respectful, and supportive team ethos.