Band 5 Research Governance Facilitator

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider is seeking a Band 5 Research Governance Facilitator to manage research governance services and support a busy R&D team. The role involves project management, compliance with NHS research regulations, and direct support for research teams. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in clinical research. This role offers an opportunity to improve mental health services while working within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and coordinating work projects involving multiple partners.
• Experience in preparing reports and presentations.
• Previous research experience in data collection and assisting the research process.
• Experience in operational clinical research projects.
• Minute taking and servicing committees.

Responsibilities

• Manage own projects requiring review and approval.
• Assist in assessing project feasibility with stakeholders.
• Resolve complex issues for efficient project setup.
• Process study amendments and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ensure HR arrangements are in place for studies and evaluations.

Skills

Project Coordination

Report Preparation

Data Collection

Planning and Organisation

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Project Management Training

Clinical Research qualification

Job description

Go back Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Band 5 Research Governance Facilitator

The closing date is 08 December 2025

The post holder will work as part of the Research and Development (R&D) governance team to provide an efficient research governance service to the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trusts (BSMHFT) portfolio of research studies and service evaluations.

Working closely with the Research Governance Manager, the role will support a busy R&D team, leading on the research governance set up of a varied portfolio of mental health research. The post will support the Trust in delivering its performance metrics in line with the DHSC Policy on clinical research and the commitment to reduce clinical set up time to 150 days.

The post will contribute significantly to providing an efficient R&D service at the Trust, supporting both internal and external researchers to recruit from our services. They will meet research teams on a one-to-one basis, contribute to internal training, assist in the creation of supporting materials and contribute to Standard Operating Procedures.

In addition to research, the post will lead on the review and approval of Service Evaluations at the Trust, ensuring projects are categorised correctly and signed off appropriately.

To undertake this role, you will have a detailed understanding of the purpose and principles of NHS research and the regulatory requirements applicable to research, be an enthusiastic team player and be able to work to tight deadlines.

Main duties of the job

• Be responsible for a portfolio of own projects, both research projects and service evaluations, requiring review and approval in line with local and national procedures and guidelines. Responsibility for individual projects will be assigned by the Research Governance Manager but managed by the postholder
• Collaborate with project leads, at the start of the pathway, to assess the feasibility to undertaking the project. This will involve liaising with internal and external stakeholders involved in projects to ensure their support is in place prior to project start up.
• Liaise with teams on assigned projects to resolve often complex issues to enable fast and efficient set up in line with national performance targets. The post holder will consult with the Research Governance Manager when issues are not easily resolved
• For research studies, ensure that study amendments are processed as appropriate, including supporting submission to the regulatory bodies and sponsor sign-off, and distribution of these to participating NHS Trusts. Amendment must be processed in accordance with national performance targets
• Have an awareness of all regulatory guidelines, policies and procedures in the set up and delivery of NHS clinical research
• Ensure HR arrangements are in place for both research studies and when required, service evaluations, in line with departmental processes and timelines

About us

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

Job responsibilities

Full details of the role can be found in the attached job description, education, knowledge and training requirements outlined in the person spec. Discussions with the Research Governance Manager about the role are welcomed.

We are unable to support applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work the United Kingdom (UK)

We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Person Specification

Training and Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or an equivalent level of research governance experience (i.e. an in-depth diploma and extensive experience)
• Project Management Training
• Clinical Research qualification or training

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of leading on the planning and coordination of work projects involving multiple service users/partners where organisation, priority setting and meeting tight deadlines was required
• Experience of preparing reports and presentations on own workstream to be discussed with line manager or presented at committees
• Previous research experience: experience of developing and aiding the research process, data collection etc
• Experience of supporting operational clinical research projects in a health setting either within a university or hospital.
• Experience of minute taking and servicing a committee or group

Skills

• Specialist knowledge of the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, the Clinical Trials Directive and ICH guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. Ability to apply these to all aspects of research (clinical and academic).
• Ability to read/analyse and rationalise complex research information in a limited timeframe. Able to understand and interpret data/figures to enable accurate feasibility assessment.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise to meet multiple deadlines

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Depending on experience per annum, pro rata