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Research & Innovation Manager

The closing date is 31 July 2025

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Research & Innovation Manager to lead on research governance across the Trust. This is a rare opportunity to support impactful health research within a dynamic, patient-centred organisation with unique reach into communities across the region.

As subject matter expert for research governance, you'll provide trusted guidance to colleagues across SCAS and lead on critical processes - from study approvals to sponsorship reviews. You'll also play a central role in strengthening and expanding our research portfolio, through close collaboration with research sponsors, ethics committees, funders, and NHS partners. We seek a proven leader with extensive experience in health research governance and confidence in navigating complex regulatory and funding landscapes. You'll bring excellent communication and organisational skills along with the ability to navigate competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

SCAS is at the cutting edge of urgent and emergency care innovation, and our research ambitions are growing. You'll join a passionate team committed to improving outcomes for patients and driving meaningful change in the NHS.

This is a 12 month fixed-term opportunity with a maximum availability of 1.0 WTE. The successful candidate could be based either in Bicester, Oxon) or Otterbourne, Hants with potential for home-based working. A part-time appointment is possible (minimum 0.6 WTE).

Main duties of the job

1. To work with the Senior Research Paramedic and Head of Research Operations to shape a culture of safe, legal, high-quality research.

2. To serve as subject matter expert in research governance, ensuring adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and compliance with standard operating procedures.

3. To undertake capacity and capability assessment of new projects and to lead on set-up of clinical research projects in accordance with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.

4. To work closely with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of grant applications. To facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and co-ordination to assess needs, refine proposals and optimise funding strategies.

5. To lead the research sponsorship process for the Trust, playing a key role in ensuring the delivery of the regulatory, financial and contractual obligations of the sponsor.

6. To monitor active research studies and support the team to ensure accurate data recording and timely performance reporting in accordance with local and national requirements.

7. To maintain adherence to protocol-mandated safety reporting procedures.

8. To lead and manage study closedown procedures, ensuring all documentation and data are securely archived in accordance with study protocols.

9. To take a key role in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all research participants.

About us

Benefits we offer:

• Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
• Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
• Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
• Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
• Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
• NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
• Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).

Corporate Induction

It's really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).

All new starters need to attend our *Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.

*Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.

Job responsibilities

1 Research Governance

11. Provide expert advice to the SCAS research team and internal stakeholders on research governance matters, ensuring effective oversight of local arrangements.

22. Provide expert advice to SCAS staff on the distinction between research, service evaluation and audit, ensuring appropriate methodologies and regulatory compliance for each.

33. Assess the financial feasibility of research activities using the AcoRD framework.

44. Advise SCAS staff on local and national study approvals processes and standards of best practice in research.

5. Manage the SCAS research study approval system to ensure prompt and efficient processing of applications and that all relevant approvals are in place prior to commencement of research activities.

66. Lead on SCAS Sponsorship review and processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.

77. Facilitate the grant application process, guiding the team to suitable funding opportunities and ensuring strong applications.

88. Assist with IRAS applications for research projects, ensuring accurate submission and facilitating portfolio inclusion where applicable.

99. Oversee review, approval and implementation of research agreements and funding arrangements, ensuring clarity and compliance.

110. Oversee applications for amendments for home-grown studies and ensure implementation of amendments for external projects.

Please see JD attached for full duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Post-graduate diploma in a relevant subject (health or social science) or equivalent experience.
• Excellent working knowledge of the UK clinical trials regulations; UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, Data Protection Act (2018), UK GDPR, Mental Capacity Act, Human Tissue Act, GCP, Information Governance management & Research Governance compliance and ethical frameworks.
• GCP certification and evidence of facilitation of GCP to others.
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g., PhD, MRes, MSc in a clinical/health related/social science subject).
• Qualification in project management (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2).
• Qualification in Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement.
• Training in IT, data analytics or research informatics.

Knowledge and Experience

• Thorough understanding of governance of health and social care research.
• Demonstrable application of principles of data integrity and research ethics, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Thorough understanding of the current research landscape within the NHS.
• Robust understanding of research concepts, methodologies and principles
• Significant previous experience of providing research governance oversight throughout the research lifecycle.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grant funding processes and research finance management.
• Previous experience of managing research Sponsorship/study monitoring, audit and other governance processes.
• Knowledge of risk management strategies in research governance.
• Thorough understanding of HRA application process, ethics committee procedures and regulatory body requirements.
• Experience in set-up of commercial and non-commercial trials.
• Proven track record of stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with sponsors and meaningful engagement with patients and public.
• Understanding of intellectual property and innovation management in healthcare research.
• Experience of provision of professional support/supervision to staff.
• Experience in leading research audits and quality assurance processes.
• Experience in cross-sector collaboration, including partnerships with academia and industry.
• Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles in research.
• Familiarity with health economics and impact assessment in research projects.

Skills and Aptitudes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player.
• Aptitude for working collaboratively with a diverse range of people at various levels of seniority, across disciplines, in both public and private sector.
• Ability to receive and analyse complex information, then present clearly and efficiently to staff and other stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills with aptitude to implement effective solutions where challenges are identified.
• Competence in use of research databases and digital systems such as EDGE, REDCap, ODP, CPMS.
• Ability to interpret and apply national research guidelines, ensuring alignment with local policy.
• Competence in use of mainstream word processing, spreadsheet, email and presentation software, ideally MS Office.
• An open and facilitative style of leadership which can be adapted when necessary to ensure delivery of objectives.
• Good performance management skills
• Skilled motivator of others, both within and outside the research team.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the functionality and operation of patient information management systems both within hospitals and General Practice.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work with the minimum of supervision.
• Flexible and able to manage and prioritise conflicting workloads to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ensures care of own health and wellbeing to promote improvements to physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, managing research documentation and digital systems.
• Occasional travel to visit research sites, attend meetings, or liaise with external stakeholders (car owner and driver).
• Organising and reviewing physical research files, reports, and study materials.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders, present findings, and lead discussions effectively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Full-time,Part-time,Home or remote working