Job overview
The Research and Innovation Department has responsibility for all elements of research governance within the Trust and provides corporate support to internal staff and external partners undertaking research and innovation projects.
The post-holder will be required to work alongside the Research Manager (RM) to facilitate the development of a portfolio of NIHR research studies in mental health in the department.
The post-holder will be required to provide clinical leadership and line management supervision for the Core Research Delivery Team that includes research nurses, clinical research practitioners and research assistants at Bands 6 – 3.
The post-holder will be required to manage, plan, and forecast the workload of the Core Research Delivery Team to enable staff to conduct research safely and efficiently according to the required standards and recruitment targets.
The role will involve the recruitment and informed consent of participants into mental health research studies, delivering research interventions, undertaking assessments as per study protocols and local guidelines and the completion of research documentation.
It will be a varied, involved and busy position that requires excellent communication with a variety of stakeholders, and significant organisation skills in order to prioritise and manage a demanding workload.
Main duties of the job
• To support the R&D Management team in developing and maintaining the R&I infrastructure to support, promote and organise patient recruitment to the clinical trials and research studies from the NIHR portfolio.
• To have direct line management responsibilities for staff within the Core Research Delivery Team.
• To demonstrate specialist research knowledge and shares this with others to positively influence the patient / participant experience of taking part in research.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• In conjunction with the R&I Manager, plan and prioritise the research portfolio to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• To exercise professional leadership to support, motivate and inspire colleagues within the R&I department and throughout the Trust.
• To manage the workload of the Core Research Delivery Team and allocate work to team members as appropriate
• To analyse the complexity of individual research studies and the resources required to undertake them.
• To review study recruitment plans and develop strategies to overcome any identified recruitment difficulties whilst supporting the best use of resources in the R&I department.
• To regularly evaluate work of the Core Research Delivery Team using written audits, reports, and verbal feedback, ensuring progress against team/individual objectives, Good Clinical Practice and Trust Policies.
• To interpret medical records to judge whether a patient is suitable for a particular study.
• To support and advise staff within the department in responding to patient safety or identified clinical risks.
• To ensure that research procedures (including consent processes, interventions and follow up) are carried out according to the approved protocol and the UK policy framework for health and social care research.
• See job description for full list of responsibilities
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. Research Practitioner)
* Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
* Evidence of post-graduate study
* Trained in Good Clinical Practice
* Short courses or experience to Masters level
Desirable criteria
* Research training equivalent to essentials of clinical research from NIHR
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Experience
Essential criteria
* Significant clinical experience working in NHS mental health services
* Significant experience in a Band 6 Research role undertaking, co-ordinating and managing clinical research
* In-depth knowledge and relevant clinical experience of Good Clinical Practice
* Experience of the line management and supervision of staff
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of office software packages, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access
* Knowledge and appreciation of governance, risk and confidentiality issues
* Knowledge of NHS Research Governance procedures and the Research Governance Framework
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Ability to collate information and produce written reports
* Able to organise and prioritise own workload, work under pressure and to tight deadlines
* Use of initiative and ability to work unsupervised
* Ability to produce accurate, well presented work with a quick turn around
* Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of staff
* Excellent attention to detail
Desirable criteria
* Ability to plan and organise a team’s workload
Work realted circumstances
Essential criteria
* To work flexibly when required
* Ability to travel independently
* Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
* Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
* Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We are aware of the increase in AI being used for job applications. AI can be a useful tool to assist in writing your application, but these tools may not understand the context or requirements of the job you are applying for and using for all your application will not be a true reflection of your skills and experience. Relying on AI for your whole application can negatively impact on your chances of success throughout the recruitment process as you will be asked to provide evidence to support what you have written. Take the time to proofread your application to ensure you can evidence what you have submitted, whether this is by your experience or certificates
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.