Approvals Administrator

NHS; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in Manchester seeks an enthusiastic individual to support the processing of research applications and administer Research Ethics Committee meetings. The successful candidate will have significant administrative experience, possess excellent organizational skills, and work collaboratively to improve the research environment. The role offers flexibility with options for compressed hours and remote working, alongside a competitive salary of £27,485 to £30,162 per year.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in an administrative role.
• Experience in taking minutes and liaising with agencies.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the Approvals Specialist in processing research applications.
• Administer Research Ethics Committee meetings.
• Provide guidance and training to applicants.

Skills

Administrative practices and procedures

Advanced MS Office packages

Excellent organisational skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

A-Level or NVQ3 in administration

Job description

Job Summary

We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Health Research Authority for an enthusiastic and organised individual. The role will support the Approvals Specialist in the processing of research applications, issuing standard communications and providing procedural advice to applicants. The post-holder will support the tracking of studies to deliver a coordinated service to applicants and administer Research Ethics Committee meetings, recording discussions and decisions by sub‑committees.

About Us

Working at the HRA reminds us daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation we want to be sure you can work in a way that is best for you. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and 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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 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

Qualifications

• Essential qualifications: Significant demonstrable and relevant experience in an administrative focused role equivalent to A‑Level or NVQ3 in administration.
• Essential knowledge and skills:
  • Knowledge of a range of administrative practices and procedures.
  • Advanced use of all MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet and Outlook).
    
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and frequently changing demands including the ability to work to tight deadline.
• Desirable knowledge and skills:
  • Ability to recognise opportunities for process and system improvement and to articulate recommendations appropriately to line management.
  • Understanding of the HRA role and remit.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Essential experience:
  • Experience of taking minutes.
  • Experience of liaising and negotiating effectively with internal and external agencies, at all staff levels within an organisation.
• Desirable experience:
  • Experience in REC, NHS R&D or University Research Management.
• Essential interpersonal skills:
  • Ability to develop good communications with the Chairs and Members and the extended research community.
• Desirable interpersonal skills:
  • Excellent inter‑personal skills and commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others.
  • Self‑motivated, with ability to work on own initiative, making decisions where appropriate and organise own workload.
• Other:
• Ability to develop practical solutions to meet objectives or to escalate issues when needed.
• Use analytical skills to identify any areas where quality of service is being impacted, contributing proposed solutions within appropriate lines of management.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including some overnight stays with notice.
• Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity.

Employment Details

• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours
• Reference number: 980-HRA7652633-A
• Job locations: 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester, M1 3BN