Head of Research Workforce

King's College Hospital; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading teaching hospital in the UK is seeking a Head of Research Workforce to lead and manage the clinical research delivery team. This pivotal role focuses on the development and implementation of research strategies, ensuring effective performance management of all research activities. The ideal candidate will have clinical leadership experience, be proficient in research governance, and possess a commitment to public involvement in research. This position plays a critical part in driving the Trust's ambitious research strategy and improving patient care.

Qualifications

• Proficient in NMC Code of Conduct and Research Governance.
• Experience in clinical research management and leadership.
• Strong understanding of financial management related to research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage clinical research teams ensuring effective delivery.
• Develop and implement research strategies alongside the R&D Director.
• Champion public and patient involvement in clinical research.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Performance Management

Clinical skills (cannulation, venepuncture)

Research Governance Framework

Public and patient involvement

Education

Nurse or AHP registration

Advanced Clinical Practice qualification

Job description

The Head of Research Workforce will be a key part of the senior R&D management team and will lead, in conjunction with the R&D Director, on various initiatives to help deliver the ambitious research strategy.

The post holder will be responsible for the leadership and management of the Clinical Research Delivery Workforce – this comprises approximately 220 staff (95 research nurses/midwives, 12 AHPs/clinical scientists) and the remainder includes research managers, clinical trial practitioners, clinical trial coordinators, research associates, research assistants and clinical research administrators, organised into nine Research Delivery Units within KCH.

The post holder will further develop and implement the overall R&D Strategy, in conjunction with the R&D Director, and ensure effective systems are in place to performance‑manage all research activities within the Trust. A strategy for the development of research nurses, Allied Health Professionals and other members of the Research Workforce will focus on both academic and research delivery elements, linking with the newly formed Kings Academy.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and direction for all clinical research nurses, AHPs and research practitioners across the organisation, in partnership with Research Matrons and Research Managers of the relevant RDUs.
• Direct line management (including professional supervision where applicable) of band 8a RRDN-funded research matrons, research managers and a number of band 7 senior R&D research nurses, including Performance Development Reviews and ongoing senior support.
• Act as research representative for the NIHR workforce meetings and other relevant Trust committees.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Work within the NMC scope of Professional Practice and Code of Conduct.
• Work in accordance with the DoH Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) regulations.
• Advise on and be proficient in clinical skills relevant to research practice – e.g. cannulation, venepuncture, ECG recording.

Responsibility for Patients

• Ensure research teams provide ongoing information, education and support to patients (and their significant others) regarding clinical trials and specific trial treatments.
• Lead on public and patient involvement (PPI) and EDI in research as per NIHR and Trust clinical R&D strategy; ensure research‑active staff participate in appropriate Trust activities (e.g. the annual International Clinical Trials Day).
• Promote PPI and EDI in the development of nursing, AHP and practitioner research programmes.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development

• As a member of the R&D senior management team, contribute towards the overall strategic direction of the department, including developing strategy documents, policy, SOPs and workforce planning for clinical research delivery in conjunction with the R&D Director of Strategy and the R&D Director of Operations.
• Support the R&D Directors in developing a long‑term strategy for the employment, accountability, management, development and education of research nurses, AHPs and practitioners within the Trust.

Responsibility for Finance Management and Physical Resources

• Ensure that resources are used effectively and in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
• Work with the R&D finance team and R&D Director of Operations to plan and manage funding of research nurse/AHP/practitioner posts.
• Identify funding opportunities for new research posts and submit bids to secure funding in collaboration with R&D Managers, Matrons and lead nurses.

Responsibility for Research and Development

• Initiate and lead a programme of nurse‑led research at the Trust, working with senior nursing leaders to promote the continued development of research awareness, research competence and scholastic activity (e.g. writing for publishing, critical appraisal, presenting at conferences) in the application of research into nursing practice.
• Lead on identifying funding opportunities for nursing, AHP and practitioner‑led research and support nursing colleagues in writing grant applications and navigating the ethics and research approvals process.

Background

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across five main sites in South East London. This post has been created as a consequence of the sustained increase in research activity within the Trust, and KCH has been the top recruiting Trust in the UK to NIHR Portfolio studies – with over 30,000 recruits during the 2022 calendar year.

The Trust’s strategy, “Strong Roots, Global Reach,” embodies a vision of bold, brilliant people and outstanding care, with leaders in research, innovation and education, diversity, equality and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering sustainable healthcare for all via our Green Plan, with national net‑zero carbon targets of 2040 and 2045.

Additional Information

• Review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy.
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Note that the closing date is given as a guide; the vacancy may close early due to a high number of applications. Applicants are advised to submit their application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.