Job overview
The post-holder will be responsible for the provisions of a comprehensive, high quality research management and governance service at Pennine Care NHS FT. Acting as an expert on research governance and research quality assurance matters, they will lead on the effective implementation of research regulatory standards at the trust and ensure MHRA inspection readiness at all times.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of robust systems and processes for Quality Assurance, and oversee quality control activities conducted within the Research & Innovation Department and supporting clinical services at Pennine Care NHS FT. You will take an active role in providing advice on all aspects of Governance and Quality Assurance, including regulatory advice, contributing to the design and quality oversight of research, supporting quality assurance within grant applications, supervising the coordination of audit and monitoring within the Research Delivery Teams, and overseeing data and safety Quality Management Systems. You will be responsible for ensuring effective arrangements are in place, via a comprehensive suite of SOPs, to ensure that research projects are conducted according to current regulatory and quality standards for the Trust.
The post-holder will work closely with the colleagues in the Research Support Team and Research Delivery Teams. The post holder will be well networked externally, regularly participating in relevant networks and forums to influence regional and national policy in order to promote the Trust as an advocate of research and good governance.
The post-holder will be required to work autonomously, managing their day-to-day workload and prioritising as needed.
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
Quality & Governance Management
• To be the Quality & Governance specialist for the R&I Department and as such have significant discretion and freedom to act.
• Line Management of the R&I Coordinators in the Research Support Team, in line with Trust HR policies/procedures, ensuring regular 1:1s are maintained and staff feel well supported.
• Develop, implement, maintain and monitor appropriate risk-based quality systems to ensure regulatory compliance throughout the lifecycle of studies.
• Develop Quality Assurance (QA) and Governance procedures to support study initiation, study implementation, study conduct, study close down and archiving, which will ensure that study participants and data are safeguarded in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and recognised standards.
Data and Record Management
• Introducing and overseeing systems and processes to maintain high standards of data collection and quality, ensuring that high quality data is collected within the research teams.
• Ensure filing systems and record systems are maintained to the same expected standards and assisting the Sponsorship and Delivery Teams to archive their projects to the required procedure.
• Work with the R&I Sponsorship & Development Manager and Research Support Team to make sure all sponsored and hosted projects adhere to information governance requirements and are covered by the right Data Protection Impact Assessment.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Degree level qualification (e.g. BSc) in a relevant subject plus further experience equivalent to Master’s level
* Working towards or qualified in a Quality Assurance accreditation
* Recognised Good Clinical Practice certification
* Commitment to continued professional development.
Desirable criteria
* Higher degree qualification (e.g. MSc) in a relevant subject.
* Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2).
* People management and leadership qualification.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Significant experience of working in an NHS or HEI environment in a quality assurance role.
* Monitoring/auditing experience
* Clinical research experience including protocol development and implementation.
* Experience and excellent skills in managing and developing staff and successfully establishing and maintaining high performing, effective teams.
* Experience of working with staff from a range of backgrounds and different levels of seniority.
* Experience of managing meetings and producing reports.
* Experience of writing, and monitoring of, Standard Operating Procedures.
Desirable criteria
* Monitoring/auditing experience in research
* Experience of working across organisations.
* Experience of delivering training sessions.
* Experience of project management.
* Development and management of an effective Quality Management System
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Good knowledge of the UK Policy Framework, the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 as amended, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) 2004 amended/2026 amendment, the Human Tissue Act 2004, Data Protection Act 2018 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the ability to interpret these in a non-commercial environment.
* Ability to work constructively as an individual; as part of a close-knit team; and as part of a wider research community.
* Excellent communication, persuasion, listening and strong interpersonal skills as well as attention to detail and a sharp analytical mind and an ability to think laterally.
* Excellent change management skills. Enthusiasm for implementing change and the ability to bring fresh thinking to research processes enabling the team to develop and improve their systems
* Excellent IT literacy: evidence of competence with MS Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Access Able to lead the development and delivery of training.
Desirable criteria
* Understanding of the NHS R&D landscape and policies
Skills
Essential criteria
* Strategic thinker with a proactive mindset
* Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
* High level of integrity and attention to detail
Desirable criteria
* Collaborative working style with external partners
Work Related Circumstances
Essential criteria
* 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 understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
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.