Lead Research Facilitator
Closing date: 07 May 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Research & Innovation department at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Research Facilitator.
This is a pivotal role within the Research Management & Governance Team, providing support to the Research Manager and Head of Service in ensuring that all research taking place at the Trust is effectively managed. It involves providing assistance to researchers as they set up research projects, maintaining full and accurate records in relation to the research carried out at the Trust, and supporting the administration of research funding.
The post holder will develop a detailed understanding of the purpose and principles of clinical research in the NHS, gaining opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of a multidisciplinary research portfolio.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for processing the capacity and capability assessment for research projects in line with Health Research Authority (HRA) guidelines, and line managing other staff who support this process. This involves negotiating costings and contracts for both commercial and non-commercial research, and supporting processes relating to research income distribution within the Trust.
The post holder will develop, update and oversee relevant research databases and electronic filing systems, and support the generation of activity reports as necessary.
The role will require the ability to assist researchers of all levels with the completion of relevant documentation for the initiation of new projects, and to provide continued support throughout the project duration. This will also require working with support departments in order to provide the safe and effective delivery of the Research Projects.
In conjunction with the Head of Service, the postholder will also process all contracts/agreements and ensure appropriate funding is available in order to deliver the study in line with HRA Approval conditions. The postholder will also operate the research passport scheme to issue honorary research contracts and letters of access.
About us
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group – a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17,600 colleagues and a budget of £1.6 billion, the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people.
We are creating a health and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues, and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Job responsibilities
* Line management responsibility for the Research Delivery Support Administrators, overseeing all aspects of the roles and providing on‑going training and development.
* Responsible for processing the capacity and capability for research projects in line with HRA guidelines.
* Working closely with the R&I Manager to ensure all internal & external monthly reporting is provided to all Stakeholders accurately and in a timely fashion.
* To develop, update and oversee the relevant research databases using information received in the R&I approval process.
* To generate and customise activity reports from the research database for informing the R&I Manager and other stakeholders of current levels of research activity for submission to the relevant governing bodies.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience, and additional information are detailed below.
Qualifications
* Educated to A level or equivalent or relevant experience
* ICHGCP certificate mandatory for role (Successful candidate will be required to attend training upon starting in post)
* Previous experience of working in a Research environment
* Experience of working within the NHS
Experience
* Previous experience of working at a high level administratively, in a busy office environment
* Working with databases and web based applications
* Previous experience of working in a Research environment
* Experience of working within the NHS
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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