Job overview
The purpose of this role is to conduct research tasks in Broadmoor High Secure Hospital, working on a number of different projects within the high secure forensic setting. The research assistants will form part of the research team at the Broadmoor High Secure Hospital Research Hub. The research assistants will be required to take part in all aspects of research on site. The research assistants will also be expected to help develop and coordinate future research proposals including projects coproduced with patients.
Main duties of the job
As a research assistant in Broadmoor Hospital, you will be supporting research projects taking place within the hospital. This may for example include recruiting and interviewing patients, collecting and analysing data and writing up research proposals. You will be working to facilitate patient involvement in research and help ensure that appropriate research governance is being maintained. You will also play a role in disseminating research practice within and outside of the hospital.
Working for our organisation
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. First degree (2:1 or higher) in psychology or other relevant subject and excellent academic record
Experience
Desirable criteria
2. Working with diverse groups of people
3. Working with people in secure settings
4. Working with people with mental health problems
5. Mental health research
6. Experience of using Word and SPSS
7. (Basic) experienceofusingother statistical or programming tools for example R or Python
8. Conducting systematic literature review +/- meta-analysis
Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities
Desirable criteria
10. Knowledge of the literature on psychosis, cognition and the outcome measurers in secure mental health Settings
Skills
Essential criteria
11. Excellent interpersonal communication skills
12. Excellent oral communication skills
13. Excellent written communication skills
14. Excellent organizational skills
15. Strong time management skills and ability to work to deadlines
Desirable criteria
16. Skills in interviewing vulnerable service users, including but not limited to in forensic psychiatry/psychology
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
17. Confidentiality
18. Self-motivation, the ability to work on own initiative
19. Self-motivation, the ability to work in a team
20. Good computer skills
21. Commitment to [trust policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and research participants of all cultures and Backgrounds
22. Commitment to working within the security policies and procedures of the high secure hospital setting at Broadmoor
23. Meticulous in approach to work
24. Persuasive, able to motivate others
25. Interest in mental health services research
Desirable criteria
26. Ambition to develop an academic career, or to be a clinical psychologist / mental health professional