The Study Support Service (SSS) Facilitator will play a key enabling role within the Regional RDN (RRDN) Study Support Service, working closely with and supporting the Study Support Service Manager. The role sits within the integrated national Study Support Service, a core component of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), which supports the effective delivery of studies across the system and contributes to building strategic capacity and capability.
About the Role
About the Role
More detail about the role
The SSS Facilitator will support the delivery of essential study support services across a defined portfolio of specialties and settings, under the direction of the Study Support Service Manager. This includes contributing to pre‑approval services such as the Planning and Placement Service and national cost attribution tools, as well as post‑approval activities including portfolio support and on‑request services.
A key aspect of the role is developing and maintaining strong operational knowledge within the allocated portfolio area. This will be achieved by supporting the establishment and ongoing facilitation of communities of practice with relevant study and site delivery teams, enabling the sharing of learning, best practice, and practical solutions to support optimal study delivery.
The post‑holder will work collaboratively with the SSS Mangers and the Regional Specialty and Setting Leads, and will support regional and national improvement initiatives, contributing to service development and continuous improvement (CI) activity in line with strategic objectives. The role provides vital operational and coordination support to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Study Support Service.
The team offers a positive and developmental working environment and the opportunity to be involved in innovative and impactful work across health and care research. If you are looking for an engaging role that allows you to work closely with research partners across the system and support the delivery of high‑quality research, we would be keen to hear from you.
The contractual base can be either Truro, Plymouth, Exeter or Taunton, with regular travel to local and regional offices required.
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date:To be confirmed
For further information please contact: Max Hough Maxine.hough@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trustand Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
* National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
* Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
* Car lease schemes.
* The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
* Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
* Salary Band 6: £38,682‑£46,580 per annum pro rata
* Frequency Annual
* Vacancy Reference 185-76611-12149
* Contract Type Permanent
* Closing Date 19 January, 2026
* Job Category Administration
* Staff Group Additional Clinical Services
* Location Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon | Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro | Plymouth Science Park Research Way Plymouth, Devon | Musgrove Park Hospital, Parkfield Drive, Taunton, Somerset
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