Research Portfolio Manager

The post of Research Portfolio Manager (RPM) is part of the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT) Research, Innovation and Genomics (RIG) Department which provides advice and support to researchers across the Trust to help them design and set-up studies, navigate various approvals processes and deliver high quality research to local and national performance management targets. The RPM is responsible for the end-to-end set-up, costing, governance, and on-going management of a portfolio of commercial and non-commercial research studies and service evaluations across a wide range of disciplines. The postholder will coordinate between researchers, sponsors, supporting departments, research delivery team, and external bodies to ensure studies are initiated efficiently, compliantly, and within agreed timelines, meeting the National Institute for Health and social care Research (NIHR) key performance metrics, and the Trust's strategy and performance targets. GHFT Research, Innovation, & Genomics is a friendly and supportive department committed to providing an excellent service to researchers, Trust staff, and patients, providing resources, knowledge, and opportunities to drive forward research within Gloucestershire and beyond., To ensure all research, innovation projects, and service evaluation hosted and/or sponsored by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust complies with all relevant national legislation and guidance and meets performance management targets set by the NIHR in terms of set-up and recruitment. To support the Research Matron, Delivery Team Leads, local delivery teams, and Principal Investigators to identify, set-up, review, and confirm Capacity and Capability for all NIHR studies hosted by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. To ensure that research costs are evaluated, and a plan developed for study related finances and its appropriate distribution. To liaise with sponsors, Chief Investigators and students to support the review and set-up of non-portfolio studies. To liaise with Sponsors to negotiate contracts on behalf of the Trust and research teams. Understanding clinical trial protocols and identifying potential risks, obstacles and governance issues that may impact on the Trust's integrity. To liaise with local support departments, such as Pharmacy, Pathology and Radiology where necessary for confirmation of Capacity and Capability. To work closely with the research delivery team to ensure timely set-up and review of studies, ensuring all required study documentation is complete prior to opening. Responsible for the management of study Expressions of Interest to develop the local NIHR study portfolio., Responsible for maintaining own professional development, education and training as required for the role. Maintain up-to-date Good Clinical Practice training Maintain knowledge in research governance legislation and UK research standards. Able to keep up to date with changing clinical trials regulations and interpreting the regulations for use in local practice Management and Leadership Participation in the training of RIG and wider Trust staff in research and innovation related topics. Provide advice to researchers. To ensure that relevant information is flagged to the RIG Senior Management Team so that it can be distributed through the communications channels. This may include writing articles or updating website information as required. 3. Planning and Organisation To support the ongoing research governance function of their portfolio of studies. This will include assisting with developing action plans from external audit reports, internal audit and monitoring of active studies, both hosted and sponsored, to ensure continued compliance with all relevant national legislation and guidance as well as local Standard Operating Procedures. To take the lead on performance management for their portfolio of studies to ensure delivery to time and target. Liaising with the relevant Principal Investigators and research teams to ensure early identification of potential difficulties with meeting agreed targets and working with them to put an action plan in place. To be responsible for ensuring that study related finances are monitored and invoices are raised in a timely manner Communications and Working Relationships The post-holder will be expected to communicate with a variety of stakeholders at all levels including but not limited to National Clinical Trials Units, Pharmaceutical companies, and other research Sponsor organisations, Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) staff, researchers, support service staff and clinicians both within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and beyond., To support activity data returns to the South West Central RRDN and the NIHR as required. Ensure the secure handling of personal and sensitive data. Contribute to the writing, implementing and monitoring of the Trusts research Standard Operating Procedures where required. To work with the Senior Research Portfolio Manager to identify new ways of working to improve local systems and compliance with the NIHR performance metrics. Assist in implementing and monitoring South West central RRDN procedures and processes. Supporting the RIG Senior Management Team and the wider RIG department. To take on other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this role

Degree in science, research, or management related field, or equivalent. Equivalent being a combination of professional qualifications and relevant experience. Worked in research in a healthcare setting within the last three years. Knowledge and understanding of clinical trials regulations and research governance policies. Knowledge and understanding of the current Health Research Authority (HRA) approval processes, including Research Ethics Committees (REC) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Knowledge of NIHR systems and processes, such as model agreements, National Contract Value Review (NCVR) and the research passport system. Knowledge of capacity and capability processes for research and service evaluations. Knowledge of research design and methodology. Excellent IT skills Ability to manage a continually changing portfolio of studies with different, often competing requirements, The ability to work to, and meet, tight deadlines while retaining attention to detail. Well-developed interpersonal skills Well-developed organisational skills Proven experience of working on own initiative and as part of a team. Able to communicate with people at all levels of the organisation Ability to foster good working relationships with key trust research staff, departments and partners to further support the Trusts research portfolio and objectives,

• Degree in Science, research, or management related field, or equivalent. Equivalent would be a combination of professional qualifications and relevant experience, Worked in research in a healthcare setting in a recent time period
• Knowledge of capacity and capability processes for research and service evaluations.
• Knowledge of NIHR systems and processes, such as model agreements, National Contract Value Review (NCVR) and the research passport system.
• Proven experience of working on own initiative and as part of a team., Knowledge and understanding of clinical trials regulations and research governance policies.
• Knowledge and understanding of the current Health Research Authority (HRA) approval processes, including Research Ethics Committees (REC) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• Knowledge of research design and methodology.
• Excellent IT skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills Able to communicate with people at all levels of the organisation
• Well-developed organisational skills
  
  We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.