Lead Research Nurse

The post holder will provide a clear focus for professional leadership and operational management, contributing to the strategic development and management of all Research Nurses / Practitioners in the Trust, which includes all aspects of research, including expert practice, education, training, development, leadership, workforce and performance management. The post holder will be responsible for leading the development & training of and care practices of research nurses / Practitioners within the Trust, and, in terms of research skills, also provide this service for other nurses / practitioners employed by the Trust, who coordinate clinical trials as a part of their role.

The Lead Research Nurse/ Practitioner is to develop the educational strategy for research nurses / practitioners, as well as acting as the Line Manager for research nurses / practitioners and other appropriate research staff employed by the Trust. The R&D Lead Research Nurse/ Practitioner is also a member of the Trust's professional management structure., As a member of the R&D senior leadership team, contribute towards the overall strategic direction of the department, including developing strategy documents, policy, SOPs and business planning, ensuring documents are prepared and produced to a high standard and delivered on time.

Working closely with the CRDC Manager and Directors to support the overall objectives of the service and providing clinical accountability for the patients and staff in all activities

Contribute to the development and implementation of R&D strategies and systems for RM&G and quality assurance measures, to include audit and review of the work of the research staff, providing feedback, development and support as necessary.

Support the Head of Research and Development and R&D Director in the strategic and operational delivery and monitoring of the Trust's R&D activity, agendas, performance and business plans, and its general management as required and deputise for the Head of Research and Development as required.

Provide direct line management for Trust Research Nurses/practitioners and other appropriate research staff.As the Trust Lead Research Nurse/practitioner, act as a role model and professional resource and advice as an expert practitioner in all areas of research nursing/practitioner practice, in order to improve patient care and clinical practice.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.

RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael's Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.