Job summary
- Main area
- Engagement and development manager
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8a
- Contract
- 10 months (Fixed term until 28/11/2025)
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 980-HRA659
- Employer
- Health Research Authority
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- 3 Piccadilly Place,
- Town
- Manchester
- Salary
- £53,755 - £60,504 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/12/2024 23:59
Employer heading
Member Engagement and Development Manager
NHS AfC: Band 8a
The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.
Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements.
Job overview
As the Member Engagement and Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) membership represents a diverse range of volunteers and that members are motivated, well-supported, and empowered to contribute to health and social care research in England.
What we’re looking for:
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Strong experience in volunteer recruitment and engagement, with a proven track record of creating and implementing inclusive recruitment and development strategies
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Experience in strategy development, ideally within a healthcare, research, or governance setting
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Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders
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Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide teams to deliver high-quality services to members
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Exceptional communication skills and emotional intelligence, able to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and care
Main duties of the job
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Design and deliver specialist training: Collaborate with teams across the organisation to provide training that enhances the skills and knowledge of members
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Shape REC guidance and processes: Play a pivotal role in creating guidance and training / resources that complement standard operating procedures, supporting a consistently high standard of ethics review across the service
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Deliver development initiatives: Provide expert developmental support to members and Chairs, ensuring that they are fully equipped for their roles
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Member engagement & issue resolution: Serve as an escalation point for complex member issues, resolving concerns diplomatically and maintain positive member relationships
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Recruitment & retention strategy: Work closely with the Head of Approvals Support & Improvement to implement strategies that attract a diverse range of members, working to ensure that our volunteers’ experience is as positive as possible
Working for our organisation
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that help us to deliver the best services.
We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. This includes:
• age
• disability
• ethnicity
• gender identity and expression
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation
• other diverse characteristics
We have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for you, we’ll do our best to make it work for us.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role sits within the HRA Approvals Service directorate which consists of various teams that all work together to provide the appropriate approval for health research in England and, for some applications, across the UK.
This directorate is responsible for:
- Delivering HRA Approval
- Supporting the Confidentiality Advisory Group and advising on the use of confidential patient information without consent
- Working to refine the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift, robust and simple experience
- Providing guidance to applicants
- Providing training
- Working collaboratively with external partners to improve the research environment
To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached.
In submitting your application with us, please note the following:
We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.
We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.
Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.
The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree qualification or portfolio of evidence demonstrating ability to work at this level
- Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline (research methods, management, ethics) or demonstrably equivalent work-based learning
Desirable criteria
- Project management qualification or relevant experience and / or teaching or training qualification
Experience
Desirable criteria
- Engaging with and managing volunteers
Knowledge, skills and expertise
Essential criteria
- High level knowledge of the UK health and social care research framework and policy documents, including the UK REC Service, GAfREC, HRA Approval and the role of the Appointing Authority for REC Chairs and members
- Extensive and up-to-date knowledge on relevant legislation as they relate to health and social care research e.g., Clinical Trials Regulation, Human Tissue Act, Mental Capacity Act and legislation on radiation and personal data
Experience
Essential criteria
- Ability to line manage a team and work collaboratively across teams at a senior level
- Engaging with and managing internal and external stakeholders
Knowledge, skills and expertise
Essential criteria
- Problem solving and system / process design including consideration of risk management. Working flexibly and being adaptable to achieve solutions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to understand and interpret complex information and to make it relevant to a range of stakeholders e.g., report writing, briefings and presentations.
- Excellent computer skills with knowledge of MS applications and email
Analytical and judgemental skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent problem solving and analytical skills including ability to interpret and prepare reports and business plans and identify errors
Interpersonal skills
Essential criteria
- Strong interpersonal skills to include diplomacy and sensitivity, negotiating and influencing, and an ability to work well with others at all levels
- Highly self-motivated, confident, pro-active, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative.
- Commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others
Other
Essential criteria
- Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Susannah Keeling
- Job title
- Business Operations Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0207 104 8249
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