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Job summary

Main area
Research and Development
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
354-CO-21697
Employer
Sussex Partnership NHS FoundationTrust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Sussex Education Centre
Town
Hove
Salary
£37,338 - £44,962 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
14/07/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Sussex Partnership NHS FoundationTrust logo

Research Governance Officer

NHS AfC: Band 6

Come and join us

We're looking for people who share our values (compassion, accountability and optimism) to help us provide high quality care to the patients, carers, families and local communities we serve. We specialise in providing NHS mental health and learning disability services.

So what can we offer you in return?

We're an organisation which puts people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. We'll help you learn, acquire new skills and gain further experience to support your career development. And we'll provide the opportunity for you to bring your fresh ideas to work about how we can do things differently and continue improving.

You will also be joining a health and care system committed to working together to do the best we can for the communities we serve. Above all, at Sussex Partnership you'll have the chance to make a difference to the lives of the patients, carers and families across our communities.

As a Trust we are committed in making a difference. Your development is important to us, so don't forget to ask us during interview what opportunities we can offer. We can offer fully funded lifelong learning opportunities such as an apprenticeship from GCSE to Masters level.

If you like the sound of that, then come and join our team.

Job overview

Are you looking for an opportunity to be at the cutting edge of Research? A fantastic vacancy has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Research Governance Officer to join the Research Governance Team at Sussex Partnership NHS foundation Trust.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for an individual with previous research governance experience to join our established team to, support the set up and delivery of research studies at SPFT. 

As Research Governance Officer you will be responsible for assuring compliance of our sponsored research with all relevant laws and regulations and will deliver on-going research audit and monitoring programs.

Our ideal candidate will have significant experience of working in a research support environment with an understanding of NHS R&D systems and clinical research issues such as research governance, ethical review, Medicines for Human Use Regulations, etc.

Main duties of the job

You will support the Research Governance Manager in ensuring that research taking place within Sussex Partnership adheres to the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research. 

The main duties will be those relating to the assessment and arrangement of capacity and capability for the Trust to deliver research studies.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • risk assessment
  • managing internal authorisations
  • contract review
  • making HR arrangements
  • support with on-going monitoring of research studies
  • processing amendments

Working for our organisation

You will be working with a large, busy and passionate research team and will be line managed by the Research Governance Manager, from whom you will receive regular supervision. You will work closely with the managers, academics, researchers and admin staff within the department as well as clinicians and NHS staff in the wider Trust. 

We foster a supportive, warm and friendly atmosphere where staff wellbeing is paramount. We support staff development and offer regular wellbeing activities and opportunities to work flexibly.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • Work closely with local research teams, providing guidance on internal and national research approval pathways and Research Governance requirements.
  • Liaise with external colleagues within Higher Education Industries, the NIHR and regulatory agencies to ensure the smooth set-up of research studies.
  • Review research contracts, ensuring they include necessary clauses for data protection, intellectual property, confidentiality, and publication rights, and liaise with external partners to resolve any issues.
  • Process applications for research passports and administer letters of access for external staff.
  • Undertake Research Governance reviews, considering the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research as well as Good Clinical Practice and internal policies and procedures to inform the review.
  • Consider data protection arrangements and advise on the need for information sharing agreements and Data Protection Impact Assessments.
  • Use the online research management system, EDGE, to manage study information and monitor study progress.
  • Monitor active studies against GCP standards, adhering to local Standard Operating Processes.
  • Report on study set-up metrics and dissemination of research findings. 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent research qualification / exoerience
  • Evidence of continuous personal and professional development

Knowledge, Experience

Essential criteria
  • Working knowledge of UK Policy Wide Framework for Health & Social Care Research gained through training or experience in governance posts
  • Experience and evidence of analysing, interpreting and presenting information
  • Experience and evidence of supporting and leading on a project
Desirable criteria
  • Experience as an active researcher
  • Lived experience of mental health issues

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Advanced skills in MS Microsoft; Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • Numerate and good analytical skills requiring a high degree of concentration
  • Excellent range of communication skills and good interpersonal skills
  • Evidence of successful project management skills
  • Excellent organisational and planning skills
Desirable criteria
  • Able to engage with people at all levels

Approach, Values

Essential criteria
  • Motivated and proactive
  • Ability to plan own workload, Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
  • Conscientious approach
  • Positive approach to problem solving

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyDisability confident leaderDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - BronzeCare quality commission - GoodArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardStep into healthPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Matthew Smith
Job title
Research Governance Manager
Email address
[email protected]
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