Research is one of the Trusts 6 pillars of change in its strategic objectives. The R&I Department has increased productivity in commercial, interventional clinical trials as well as increasing its ability to produce excellent ‘home grown’ projects.
With the addition of the Clinical Trials Unit and Clinical Research Facility EKHUFT’s research portfolio is growing steadily and consistently.
Organisations that have an active research department have shown to have better patient outcomes.
The purpose of this role is to assist the Research and Innovation Central Office team in managing the set-up and ongoing management of clinical trials in the Trust and will also provide the administrative support. The post will be integral to the growth of research within the Trust.
We are looking for someone who enjoys variety in their role, is keen to learn and to provide much needed support to an established team.
The role provides comprehensive administrative and governance support within the Research & Innovation (R&I) department. Responsibilities include organising and minuting meetings, managing diaries for senior staff, and overseeing multiple communication channels. The post supports study setup and amendments, maintains accurate records on systems such as EDGE, and ensures compliance with research governance and regulatory standards. It also involves facilitating risk management processes, assisting with audits and sponsor responsibilities, and contributing to Patient & Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) activities. The role serves as a key point of contact for research enquiries and supports effective communication with internal teams, external sponsors, regulatory bodies, and patients, aligning with departmental goals and the R&I strategy.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is ‘great healthcare from great people’. Everything we do is guided by our values: ‘People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called ‘We care’. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Research & Innovation Central Office (RICO) and Clinical Trials Unit. The postholder will assist in ensuring Trust-wide compliance with research governance standards, support study setup and delivery, and contribute to the development and implementation of research processes and systems.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Support
* Organise, prepare, and minute internal and external R&I meetings.
* Manage diaries for the Senior Management Team.
* Maintain multiple email inboxes and the RICO phone line.
* Order stationery, raise purchase orders, invoicing, and support meetings/events.
* Manage internal and external post and disseminate urgent information.
* Support Patient & Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) activities.
* Assist with training preparation and coordination.
* Support RICO with administrative tasks around study setup and amendments including letters, emails, and updating databases.
* Work in accordance with R&I Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.
* Contribute to the overall goals of the department and support the R&I strategy.
Governance & Compliance
* Support adherence to research governance and regulatory standards.
* Assist with the Capacity and Capability process and study setup.
* Maintain accurate records on EDGE and other systems.
* Support monitoring and audit activities.
* Assist with Sponsor responsibilities and approvals.
* Support RICO in guiding Investigators to apply for and gain correct approvals from authorising bodies.
* Assist with study setup, data management systems, archiving and destruction processes for hosted clinical trials.
Risk Management
* Support risk assessments and ensure documentation is uploaded and monitored.
* Collaborate with support departments and delivery teams to facilitate risk management.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as a point of contact for general research enquiries.
* Communicate effectively with internal teams, external sponsors, regulatory bodies, and patients.
* Oversee the R&I generic email account and respond or redirect emails appropriately.
* Communicate respectfully with HRA, Research Ethics Committees, clinicians, research nurses, administrative staff, university researchers, and pharmaceutical companies.
This advert closes on Tuesday 14 Oct 2025
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