Study Support Service Facilitator

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS discounts

35 days holiday (pro rata)

Generous pension

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with NIHR, invites applications for a Study Support Service Facilitator on a fixed-term 12-month contract to cover maternity leave until December 2027. You will join the Regional RDN Study Support Service, supporting both pre- and post-approval activities and working closely with the Study Support Service Manager.

The role requires a sound understanding of the research lifecycle, delivery of customer-centric services, excellent

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the research study lifecycle
• Experience delivering customer-centric services and interpreting complex data
• Excellent communication skills including clear presentations and stakeholder engagement
• Willingness to travel across the region for meetings and events

Responsibilities

• Deliver Study Support Services within the NIHR RDN to enable efficient study delivery.
• Support planning and placement phases, including cost attribution tools.
• Coordinate with Study Support Service teams, Leads, sponsors and funders.
• Assist with service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Customer-focused service delivery

Data interpretation

Excellent communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Postgraduate Diploma or specialist training

Degree

Evidence of continual professional development

Job description

Job Overview

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Study Support Service Facilitator
Contract: Fixed Term - 12 Months - Covering Maternity Leave until December 2027
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team. The Study Support Service (SSS) Facilitator will play a key enabling role within the Regional RDN (RRDN) Study Support Service, working closely with and supporting the Study Support Service Manager.
Main duties of the job
The role sits within the integrated national Study Support Service, a core component of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), which supports the effective delivery of studies across the system and contributes to building strategic capacity and capability.
The SSS Facilitator will support the delivery of essential study support services across a defined portfolio of specialties and settings, under the direction of the Study Support Service Manager. This includes contributing to pre-approval services such as the Planning and Placement Service and national cost attribution tools, as well as post-approval activities including portfolio support and on-request services.
A key aspect of the role is developing and maintaining strong operational knowledge within the allocated portfolio area. This will be achieved by supporting the establishment and ongoing facilitation of communities of practice with relevant study and site delivery teams, enabling the sharing of learning, best practice, and practical solutions to support optimal study delivery.
The post-holder will work collaboratively with the SSS Mangers and the Regional Specialty and Setting Leads, and will support regional and national improvement initiatives, contributing to service development and continuous improvement activity in line with strategic objectives. The role provides vital operational and coordination support to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Study Support Service.
Working for our organisation
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

In this role, your key responsibilities will include delivering the Study Support Services within the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), facilitating the effective delivery of studies throughout the system while enhancing strategic capacity and capability.
You will support service users in the planning and placement phase of their studies, which will mean maintaining proficiency in cost and attribution tools. You will provide essential support, enabling the smooth operation of services.
Through their coordination and expertise, you will contribute significantly to the overarching goals of the RDN. In this role, you will report directly to the Study Support Service Manager. You will work closely with key stakeholders, including RDN Study Support Service teams, Specialty and Settings Leads, sponsors, research delivery organisations, and funders.

• A strong understanding of the research study lifecycle, the health and care system, and the RDN portfolio eligibility and cost attribution frameworks.
• Experience in delivering customer-centric services, interpreting complex data, and working as part of effective collaborations and partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to prepare clear presentations, analyse data, and advocate for patient and public involvement.
• A prepared and proactive approach, including the ability and willingness to travel across the region for meetings and events.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate Diploma or specialist training relevant to the role
• Degree
• Evidence of continual professional development

Desirable criteria

• Degree in health or science discipline

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients
• Understanding of key RDN customers and their needs
• Understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS
• Knowledge of scientific, research and medical terms commonly used in health and care research
• Knowledge of the research study lifecycle
• Specialist knowledge of RDN Portfolio eligibility (including terms and conditions) and of cost attribution (ACoRD, SoECATs, NCVR)
• Experience of working in a health and care research environment
• Experience of administration within an organisational environment, including administering and servicing meetings
• Experience of supporting the delivery of health and care research support services
• Experience of using data systems in understanding and supporting performance
• Experience of providing high quality customer centric services
• Experience of working as part of effective collaborations and partnerships
• Experience of supporting with the management of projects and programmes

Desirable criteria

• Experience of facilitating continuous improvement projects