Band 5 Research Governance Facilitator | Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health services provider in Birmingham is seeking a Research Governance Officer to oversee a portfolio of research projects and service evaluations. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of NHS research principles and regulatory requirements, with strong collaboration skills to liaise with various stakeholders. This role offers a chance to make a significant contribution to mental health research while working with a dedicated team. Full details can be found in the attached job description.

Qualifications

• Detailed understanding of NHS research and regulatory requirements.
• Enthusiastic team player.
• Experience in managing research projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of research projects and service evaluations.
• Collaborate with project leads to assess feasibility.
• Liaise with teams to resolve complex project issues.
• Process study amendments and ensure compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Maintain HR arrangements for studies and service evaluations.

Skills

Understanding of NHS research principles

Ability to work to tight deadlines

Collaborative team player

Job description

Role Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 of 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. Amendments must be processed in accordance with national performance targets.
• Be aware 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 the Trust

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4,000 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.

Additional Information

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.

This advert closes on Monday 8 Dec 2025.