Job summary

Please note this role is for applicants in the South West only (Cornwall, Devon and Somerset).

Please also specify the specialty that you are applying for - please see the Job Description.

The Specialties function will play a key leadership role in the on-going development and performance of the RDN. As part of this function, Regional Research Specialty and Setting Leads, will provide leadership and advice, support research delivery, and participate in regional or national projects relating to Specialty or Setting capacity, capability and accessibility for research delivery. The Regional Research Specialty Leads provide the vital link between the regional, geographically-based networks (RRDNs) and national networks of expertise which is essential to the success of the RDN.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

Please note this role is for applicants in the South West only (Cornwall, Devon and Somerset).

Please also specify the specialty that you are applying for - please see the Job Description.

The role of the Regional Research Specialty Leads is primarily to support research delivery within health and care settings, however on occasion the Leads will be asked to support wider NIHR and DHSC activities. The duties and responsibilities are grouped to reflect these two aspects. Regional Research Specialty Leads will be expected to attend regional and national meetings and events.

Primary Role

Strategic oversight of the regional RRDN Portfolio.

Support regional portfolio oversight activities undertaken on the current portfolio as requested and in collaboration with the RDN Study Support Service.

Identify and address impact on regional health and social inequalities at all stages of research delivery within your Specialty.

Support the RDN Study Support Service in the planning, placement and performance monitoring of studies, including when requested :

Assist in the identification of sites and Principal Investigators making the best use of data combined with an understanding of health and social inequalities to inform placement of studies.

Undertake eligibility reviews.

Providing health and / or care intelligence to the on request study performance service[1] and the Active National Delivery service.

Support funders and sponsors in study design to optimise deliverability, including providing early feedback on protocols.

Advise on study deliverability and undertake deliverability assessments when requested, including giving consideration to equitable community-wide access / areas of high patient need.

Building regional capacity and capability for study delivery in your Specialty.

Ensure local needs for research delivery are identified and addressed as part of building the capacity and capability for research delivery.

Under the RDN Operating Model for strategic development, and Research Delivery Models participate in projects to address any opportunities or challenges identified.

Embedding research, engagement and delivery into the NHS and wider care environment.

Engage and initiate relevant regional stakeholders as relevant for the purpose of building regional research delivery capacity and capability within your Specialty.

Assist in the development and mentorship of future / new Principal Investigators across the health and care sector.

Initiating, facilitating and promoting regional cross-specialty and cross-setting collaborations for improved research delivery.

Contributing to national and regional RDN strategic development for research delivery through :

Attending national specialty meetings

Attending regional leadership group meetings

Engaging with annual review development process

Keeping up to date with innovative study design and delivery methods.

Share best practice across specialties.

Acting as regional NIHR RDN Ambassadors.

Support the National and NHS E based Specialty Leads in activities to raise awareness of the Specialty.

Engage in, and support, business development activities, including :

Providing health and care research expertise and knowledge to support optimal research delivery in discussions with commercial organisations.

Attending meetings and presenting at events, webinars etc.

Identify and support the dissemination of RDN impact in your Specialty.

Supporting role undertaken on request by other areas of the NIHR and DHSC, via the National Specialty Lead

Support the NIHR Coordinating Centre to develop topics for commissioned research by providing expert advice on the current RDN study portfolio, innovative research delivery methods and the needs of all patient and care groups, including under-served communities.

Support for new Chief Investigators, primarily with respect to good practice to support research feasibility and delivery, as part of a cross-NIHR programme.

Provide peer reviews on studies for NIHR and regulatory authorities to contribute an expert opinion when needed.

Working Pattern : WTE

Interview Date : To be confirmed

Pay : The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2024-5 rates, inclusive of a pay award implemented from October 2024. If you join before this date, the pay award will be backdated to April 2024 or your start date, whichever is later. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2023-4 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2023 / 24 | NHS Employers).

For further information please contact : Michael Gibbons (M) or Pauline McGlone ()

This is a fixed term contract for three years. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including :

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable