Research Governance Manager

NHS Blood and Transplant; West of England; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/Remote working options

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

NHS Pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking a Research Governance Manager to support the Research Governance Office in delivering the research strategy and ensuring studies are conducted in line with GCP, policy frameworks, and regulatory guidelines. The role teams with NHSBT scientists pre- and post-award and requires robust analytical and communication skills.

The role is mainly remote with occasional travel to NHSBT bases; you will help manage study development, approvals, and governance processes

Qualifications

• Degree or higher degree in bioscience, social science, nursing or another clinical area.
• Experience and understanding of governance, regulatory and quality issues in clinical research.

Responsibilities

• Act as key point of contact for research staff and provide expert guidance on clinical research governance including Sponsorship, agreements, insurance and indemnity, financial arrangements, data protection, research passport scheme and research ethics.
• Develop and manage processes related to research study development and approvals.
• Support practices in line with UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and Clinical Trials regulatory environment.
• Analyse complex research protocols for Sponsorship decisions and assess institutional risk.
• Contribute to driving operational improvements, including annual reporting of awards.

Education

Degree or higher degree in bioscience, social science, nursing or another clinical area

Job description

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant has a world-renowned Research and Development Programme. Our national NHSBT research programme funds, hosts and sponsors a range of research activity, in collaboration with academic partners. Research topics are extensive, outputs are high impact and all activity is linked to NHSBT operational goals.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking Research Governance Manager to join our Research Governance Office to support the delivery of our research strategy, and beyond. This post sits within a team that supports NHSBT scientists both pre- and post-award.

The Research Governance Manager will have responsibility for advising and supporting researchers on all aspects of research governance; managing processes associated with research study development, project delivery and research study approvals. Reporting to the Senior Research Governance Manager, the post holder will support practices to ensure that research activities undertaken by NHSBT are conducted according to GCP, the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and other relevant policy, regulations and guidelines.

The Research Governance Office is fast paced and workload is varied, therefore you will have a keen eye for detail, excellent organisational and communications skills. This position requires a demonstrable grasp of the regulatory research environment, alongside a flexible, professional approach.

Main duties of the job

• To act as key point of contact for research staff and provide expert guidance and information about clinical research governance issues including Sponsorship, agreements, insurance and indemnity, financial arrangements, data protection, research passport scheme and research ethics.
• Develop and manage processes related to research study development, demonstrating key knowledge and experience when carrying out activities relating to research delivery and approvals.
• Support practices in line with criteria as set out in the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and Clinical Trials regulatory environment.
• To analyse complex research project protocols for application for Sponsorship on a regular basis, assessing institutional risk, establishing research study type and making recommendations for sponsorship decisions.
• To play a key role within the Research Governance Office and carry out other tasks and project work associated with driving forward operational improvements, such as supporting with annual reporting of awards.

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you'll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangements because NHSBT works nationally, were able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.
• Flexible working options we promote flexible working where the role allows. Were happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
• Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - weve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. Its open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
• Health and wellbeing support we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.
• As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.
• You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website:

Assessment process

The assessment process for this role will include: a single interview. Online interviews are anticipated to be held on Wednesday 4th/Thursday 5th November 2026 subject to confirmation.

The successful candidate can expect a friendly working environment and professional support. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your skills and knowledge into a growing team.

Please note that this role is mainly remote. However, you may be required to travel to one of the NHSBT bases on occasion for team meetings/training/development days etc. with reasonable notice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree or higher degree in bioscience, social science, nursing or another clinical area
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)

Experience

• Experience of review and editing of scientific documents, specifically research proposals and protocols
• An extensive understanding of the governance, regulatory and quality issues associated with clinical research
• Knowledge of the research environment gained in a University, the NHS or a regulator
• Understanding of the regulations governing research in the UK
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex research questions
• Relevant experience working in either a University, the NHS or a relevant industry Research Office

Employer details

NHS Blood and Transplant

NHSBT

500 North Bristol Park

Bristol

BS34 7QH

United Kingdom