Research and Innovation Governance Officer | Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Slough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A National Health Service Trust is seeking a research professional to coordinate governance processes and support clinical studies within the Trust. The role demands expertise in study governance, regulatory environments, and effective management of research documentation. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and experience in research management systems. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

First-class development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical study governance and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to coordinate research governance approval processes.
• Strong understanding of national and international research legislation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the R&I governance approval process.
• Manage governance approval for multiple research projects.
• Support the Head of R&I in audit and monitoring processes.

Skills

Clinical study governance

Regulatory environment expertise

Research management system knowledge

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

EDGE research management system

EPIC database systems

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our R&I Team for a research professional who has experience in clinical study governance and expertise within the regulatory environment surrounding clinical studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the R&I governance approval process, ensuring that correct documents are available for Trust approval.
• Keep up to date records on EDGE research management system, EPIC and other database systems as required.
• Ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place and maintained in accordance with national and international legislation and guidance (e.g. UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, International Conference on Harmonisation Guidelines – Good Clinical Practice (ICH‑GCP)) through the conduct of research across all sites within the Trust.
• Support the Head of R&I in audit and monitoring processes, collate and present information required for internal and external reports and other activities to promote and ensure safe delivery of R&I within the Trust.
• Act as an expert resource and ensure all elements of study set up are completed in accordance with UK and EU legal requirements.
• Ensure all studies have the required documentation and arrangements in place prior to providing R&I approval confirming the Trust’s readiness to recruit.
• Manage the potentially conflicting demands of governance approval of the capacity and capability (R&I approval) of multiple research projects in collaboration with the research delivery team and Research Operations Manager.
• Oversee a register of ICH‑GCP training and Research-CVs for all research staff.
• Establish, evaluate and update existing Trust policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including the development of new local policies and SOPs in accordance with national legislation for research and recommendations from regulatory authorities such as Health Research Authority (HRA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
• Ensure the implementation of research Standard Operating Procedures across the Trust in conjunction with the SOP Controller.
• Keep all staff informed of any regulatory changes and their impact on local research processes including sponsorship processes.
• Collaborate with the R&I governance staff in contract negotiations.
• Ensure study protocol amendments are incorporated into research practice in a timely manner and any delay/hindrance in the enactment of the amendment is brought to the attention of the study sponsor at the earliest and before the deadline.
• Prepare, conduct and oversee the internal audit process of the department under the guidance of the Head of R&I.
• Prepare, support and coordinate external regulatory inspections including responses to findings and implementation of subsequent action plans in liaison with the Research Operations Manager.
• Support the Chief Investigator (CI) in obtaining ethical permissions, including completing IRAS/MHRA, local ethics and HRA submissions and support the process for Trust sponsored studies.
• Ensure regular invoicing in line with contractual agreements, in a timely manner and provide study finance support to raise timely invoices and to ensure accurate records are maintained for finance associated with studies.
• Assist in negotiation/coordination of costing information and development of systems (e.g. EDGE finance workflows and forms) to track/forecast potential costs.
• Ensure costs are assigned to the appropriate budgets according to current R&I finance policies, analyse, investigate and resolve study income queries including liaising with the finance department.
• Contribute to the development and validation of systems e.g. electronic data capture platforms in the R&I department to provide effective support in the set‑up and delivery of research and innovation.
• Support the development of home‑grown studies and grant applications, including IRAS submission.
• Contribute to the professional and educational development of staff by identifying and facilitating training opportunities in conjunction with the Research Training lead where appropriate.
• Ensure the archiving of study related documentation in line with the Trial Agreement and ICH‑GCP/ISO 14155/Trust and departmental Archiving and Off‑Site Policies.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of content on the R&I website and intranet pages ensuring information provided is accurate and up to date.
• Assist in the development of marketing material to promote FHFT’s research and innovation and to improve engagement of staff, patients and public.
• Support the R&I team to promote research at FHFT to internal and external stakeholders through events and training.
• Assist in Patient, Public, Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities of R&I.

Benefits and Employer Commitment

• Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme.
• First‑class development opportunities for all staff and a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training are available.
• Flexible working arrangements are encouraged, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, and the Trust will do its utmost to meet the needs of staff and the service.

This advert closes on Thursday 11 Dec 2025.