The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise, and deliver research across England. The RDN consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) and a Coordinating Centre (RDNCC), working together as one organisation with joint leadership. The Network contributes to NIHR's mission to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The North West RRDN, hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, is at the forefront of this mission, enabling research that improves lives.
As Head of Strategy, Engagement, and Inclusion, you will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic development of the North West RRDN. Working at regional and national levels, you will lead initiatives to engage diverse stakeholders, embed inclusive practices, and enhance public involvement in health and care research. Reporting to the RRDN Strategic Development Director, you will manage the domains of Strategy, Communications, and Study Participation Inclusion, supporting the delivery of national priorities across the region.
We are looking for a strategic thinker and visionary leader with a strong background in stakeholder engagement, inclusion, and strategy development within the NHS or related fields. Experience in matrix management, financial planning, and performance evaluation is essential. Your ability to build collaborative relationships, coupled with advanced communication and analytical skills, will be critical to your success in this role.
Main Duties Include (but are not limited to):
* Develop and implement regional strategies aligned with national RDN priorities.
* Lead engagement and inclusion initiatives to increase participation in research, particularly from underserved communities.
* Provide senior leadership to the RRDN, overseeing Strategy, Communications, and Study Participation Inclusion teams.
* Manage stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment with NIHR and NHS objectives.
* Analyse data to support decision-making and the development of regional capacity and capability.
* Promote continuous improvement by embedding inclusive practices in research delivery.
* Represent the RRDN at national forums, acting as an ambassador for the RDN.
MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England, with a turnover of over £3bn, and operates on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We are creating an exceptional integrated health and social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year.
Bringing together 10 hospitals and community services from across Manchester, Trafford, and beyond, we champion collaborative working and transformation, encouraging our 30,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate, offering a scale of opportunity that is extraordinary.
We’ve also created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient and staff experience, operational effectiveness, and to drive research and innovation through the introduction of Hive, our Electronic Patient Record system launched in September 2022.
We’re proud to be a major academic Research Centre and Education provider, offering a robust infrastructure to support high-quality research programmes. We are also embarking on our Green Plan to make healthcare more sustainable.
At MFT, we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development, and are committed to protecting your health and wellbeing as we shape the future of our organisation together.
For further details or informal visits, contact:
Name: Dr Chris Smith
Job title: Strategic Development Director
Email: chris.smith@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Donna Hamill (PA to RDN NW Leadership Team):
Email: Donna.Hamill@nihr.ac.uk
Tel: 0151 331 5122/5130
Mobile: 07385 935558
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