Job overview
A key strategic aim of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is to increase research participation to patients and staff across the Trust and wider Sussex. The Head Research Nurse will play a pivotal role in its development, clinical and operational oversight and delivery of its strategic objectives.
The post holder will work closely with the senior research management team to support the ongoing development of the Trust’s commercial research portfolio. They will have responsibility for the Trust's R&I clinical delivery teams, ensuring the organisation conducts and participates in research that is strategically aligned and delivered to a high quality.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the safe and effective conduct of clinical research delivered on behalf of the Trust/CRDC and for directing the day-to-day management of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) staff supporting research studies across the CRDC portfolio.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Main duties of the job
·Provide on-going professional leadership and management for research delivery teams at University Hospitals Sussex NHS FT.
·Responsible for management of the R&I staffing departmental budget and staff establishment control, including ensuring appropriate allocation of financial resources. Ensure that expenditure is monitored against budget and maintain financial control.
·Contribute to the Trust-wide strategic planning of research, identifying potential impacts on wider organisation, resource requirements and building in contingency and adjustments as necessary.
·Ensuring delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives including key performance indicators such as delivering recruitment and retention targets.
·Together with the Heads of Department, be responsible for ensuring the safe and effective conduct of clinical research within the CRDC according to best practice, national directives and legislation.
·Provide leadership to non-research clinical staff engaged in research to provide an assurance framework, which minimises the risk to patients and meets the requirement of the Department of Health Research Governance Framework and all other regulatory requirements.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
·Provide on-going professional leadership and management for research delivery teams at UHSussex
·Responsible for management of the UHSussex R&I staffing departmental budget and staff establishment control, including ensuring appropriate allocation of financial resources. Ensure that expenditure is monitored against budget and maintain financial control.
·Responsible for ensuring that research & clinical workforce meet the Trust’s obligations in compliance with ICH Good Clinical Practice in Research (GCP) and other legislation as relevant.
·Responsible for meeting the Trust’s obligations in compliance with external audits and regulatory inspections by relevant bodies.
·Responsible for making recommendations, providing advice and able to prepare strategic reports/briefings for the Head of Department, steering/reference groups and others as required.
·Contribute to the Trust-wide strategic planning of research, identifying potential impacts on wider organisation, resource requirements and building in contingency and adjustments as necessary.
·Ensuring delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives including key performance indicators such as delivering recruitment and retention targets.
·Together with the Heads of Department, be responsible for ensuring the safe and effective conduct of clinical research according to best practice, national directives and legislation.
·Provide leadership to non-research clinical staff engaged in research to provide an assurance framework, which minimises the risk to patients and meets the requirement of the Department of Health Research Governance Framework and all other regulatory requirements.
·Lead on the development of new clinical procedures needed to deliver research protocols development and update of policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) as required.
·Budget holder and signatory; will authorise expenditure and be responsible for selecting suppliers of out-sourced research services or authorising such purchases, taking into account cost, quality, delivery time and reliability.
·In addition, the postholder will need to negotiate costings with commercial sponsors in conjunction with study delivery teams
·Maintain records of all audit and monitoring and of corrective action taken and to report findings as relevant.
·Together with the Deputy Head of Research (Quality & Safety) and Head Research Nurse, lead on the preparation for inspections and reviews by regulatory bodies including the MHRA and sponsors.
·Provide expert support and advice to clinical staff on the design and delivery of research services within their units in order to meet statutory, regulatory and Trust research quality standards.
·Foster strategic links with NHS, primary care, academic institutions, and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The post holder will require specialist knowledge commercial contract research and the needs of the industry
·Maintaining strategic relationships with partners to ensure UHSussex is considered for new studies. Additionally, horizon scanning across various systems (EOI tools, ODP etc) to ensure the Trust is considering feasibility of running studies at an early stage.
·Co-ordinate national and international multicentre research studies, including large complex pharmaceutical clinical trials, which utilise the UHSussex staff and facilities. Initiate and develop robust systems and proportionate risk assessment and governance processes for the management of commercial research in community settings.
·Jointly responsible with the Head of Nursing to develop the workforce plan required to support the hub and spoke delivery model, fostering an agile workforce.
·Responsible for all aspects of team/departmental staff management, including staff development, appraisal, performance management, identification of training requirements, managing sickness absence and the grievance and disciplinary procedures.
·To support, motivate and develop staff within the team.
·To manage a team and drive delivery of a range of initiatives and projects.
·Influence, support, co-ordinate and take the initiative to obtain co-operation or agreement to alter ways of working, particularly where the need for change cannot easily be identified for example as a result of subtle changes to GCP and research governance processes.
·Provide leadership and standards of best practice, promoting ethical and professional practice within a multi-disciplinary network.
·Plan for development within UHSussex research delivery teams including identifying when new posts are required to support and expand the Trust’s portfolio.
·Provide expert advice and leadership for the day-to-day management of research protocols, supporting clinical researchers in the implementation of their studies.
·Responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of patient care maintained during participation in research.
·With the Head of Nursing, manage the research delivery team’s strategy to support effective patient care, Ensure the necessary supervision of research delivery teams and students is in place to enable compliance with UHSussex and NMC policies and code of conduct.
·Uphold standards of care that are consistent with recommended standards for a range of patients/volunteers including adult, maternity and children’s services.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. NMC Registered Nurse/Midwife
2. Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area of research or nursing
Desirable criteria
3. Post-graduate management qualification
4. Experience of project development, data collection, auditing, monitoring, and dissemination of results
5. Quality improvement qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
6. Extensive experience in the delivery of commercial clinical trials
7. Leadership experience in clinical setting
8. Substantial experience of managing a research nursing team to deliver commercial clinical trials.
People Management
Essential criteria
9. Proven staff management skills
10. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals.
11. Highly developed leadership and influencing skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams
12. Ability to present complex and sensitive information to large groups of staff at all levels (board level to junior staff) both internally and externally and through a variety of media
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
14. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications