Guy’s and St Thomas’ is among the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. We provide a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and as well as specialist care for patients from further afield including cancer, renal, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiovascular services. Guy’s is home to the largest dental school in Europe and a £160 million Cancer Centre opened in 2016. As part of our commitment to provide care closer to home, in 2017 we also opened a cancer centre and a kidney treatment centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup. St Thomas’ has one of the largest critical care units in the UK and one of the busiest emergency departments in London. It is also home to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Evelina London cares for local children in Lambeth and Southwark and provides specialist services across south east England including cardiac, renal and critical care services. We lead a number of specialist service networks aiming to ensure children are treated locally where possible, but have access to specialist expertise when they need it. Our community services include health visiting, school nursing and support for families of children with long-term conditions. Our adult community services teams deliver care at the heart of the local communities we serve, working in partnership with GPs, local authorities and other healthcare and voluntary sector organisations. Working with our partners in Lambeth and Southwark, we are focusing on new ways of working to improve care for local patients. In February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together world-leading expertise in the care and research of heart and lung disease. Our merger provides a once in a generation opportunity to build a lasting, world-renowned heart and lung centre, providing the highest quality care for patients and conducting world-leading research. We have a reputation for clinical excellence and high quality teaching and research. We are part of King’s Health Partners, one of eight accredited UK academic health sciences centres. In partnership with King’s College London we have dedicated clinical research facilities including an MHRA accredited Phase I clinical trials unit. Patients are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on ensuring the best possible patient experience as well as safe, high quality care. We are proud to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the NHS. Following a comprehensive Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2019 we maintained our overall rating of ‘good’. Our adult community services achieved a rating of ‘outstanding’. The commitment of our 23,500 staff is key to our success. We are one of the largest local employers and we aim to develop and support all our staff so they are able to deliver high quality, safe and efficient care. The 2019 NHS staff survey results show that we have one of the most engaged and motivated workforces in the NHS. We know this has a positive impact on the care provided to our patients. We have one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes anywhere in the NHS. Job overview We are looking to appoint a highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic individual to undertake this newly created senior role of Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Operations Director. You will be the senior officer responsible for the operational services of the RRDN. These services are delivered for the RRDN, partner organisations and research funders, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry (across both commercial contract and commercial collaborative research). Regional Research Delivery Network in the South London region which will come into effect from 1 October 2024. The expectation is that the successful applicant will commence in post by no later than 1 July 2024. The RRDN South London will be one of 12 Networks which will replace the existing Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs) throughout the country from 1 October 2024 and will support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health and care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and the economy. Main duties of the job The RRDN Operations Director is the senior officer responsible for the operational services of the RRDN. These services are delivered for the RRDN, partner organisations and research funders, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry. These services include Study Support, Agile Research Support, regional support for Active National Delivery, Financial Management & Business Operations. The RRDN Operations Director line manages the Service/Team Leaders for the defined operational services. The purpose of the RDN is to support the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health & care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health & care system and the economy. The RRDN Operations Director is responsible for ensuring research sites have an appropriate level of funding to support and deliver the core NHS service support activities, in line with agreed funding principles. They will establish and maintain proportionate & nationally consistent mechanisms to ensure partner organisations use RDN funding appropriately and effectively. The RRDN Operations Director will support national and regional initiatives to help meet the research delivery needs of the life sciences industry, including providing a key account management function. The RRDN Operations Director will also work closely with the RRDN Strategic Development Director. Working for our organisation From October 2024, the current NIHR Clinical Research Network will be changing to become the NIHR Research Delivery Network. The RDN will continue to support the effective & efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health & care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health & care system and the economy, with a name that better reflects the scope and purpose of the network to support: Clinical trials and other well-designed health & social care research studies (including studies that are delivered outside of an NHS setting); Public health studies that require the recruitment of individuals within an NHS setting or an episode of care which involves contact with the NHS. The whole of England will be supported through 12 NIHR Regional Research Delivery Networks. These will work with the national Coordinating Centre to provide a joint RDN leadership function so that the NIHR RDN as a whole functions as a single organisation with a shared vision and purpose across England. Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust will be the Host Organisation for the South London RRDN region. Detailed job description and main responsibilities STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Be responsible for ensuring research sites have an appropriate level of funding in line with their plans to support and deliver the core NHS service support activities Be responsible for working in collaboration with regional R&D departments in order to support those departments in the delivery of their studies Be responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the following key RRDN services: Study Support Service (including Enhanced, On-Demand Study Support); Agile Research Support; Active National Delivery (regional contribution); Commercial Services; Financial management (including Excess Treatment Costs); Business Operations Be responsible for the coordination of AcoRD (Attributing the costs of health & social Care Research and Development) Specialists and National Contract Value Reviewers Budgetary management for the RRDN hosted services, NHS support costs allocation and the Operations element of the RRDN funding allocation (total RRDN funding to be £35m per annum per RRDN on average) Leading regional and supporting national initiatives to support research delivery needs of the life sciences industry, including acting as a key account manager Developing mechanisms and support for RRDN partner organisations to recover costs from commercial research funders in a timely and efficient manner Being a visible leader and actively promoting a culture of staff development, collaboration, positive staff experience, wellbeing and inclusion, and embedding patient, carer and public involvement within the RRDN at all appropriate levels of decision making Develop, lead and deliver significant national programmes of work on behalf of the RDN Board Support the development of a 3-year RRDN Strategic Implementation Plan in line with the RDN strategic aims and national 3-year plan. The RRDN Strategic Implementation Plan will be developed in conjunction with regional partners, including NHSE regional offices, ICSs, AHSNs, patients and the public Be accountable for ensuring that all necessary contracts or agreements required are in place before funds are provided to research sites Actively promote equality of opportunity, inclusivity and diversity in the RDN, for research participation and RDN staff Engage effectively with NHS organisations to maximise reach, impact and delivery of the RDN and its initiatives Enable collaborative relationships through effective network leadership, acting as a role model for others Work with partners across the RRDN region and nationally to progress improvements and transformation activities ensuring the RDN can realise the opportunities which come from working across the wider health and social care system Actively contribute to national NIHR community engagement initiatives to increase access to health and care research for under-served groups and lead regional strategies to deliver this across the RRDN region BUSINESS PLANNING Be responsible for ensuring research sites have an appropriate level of funding in line with their plans to support and deliver the core NHS service support activities Be responsible for reviewing, evaluating and approving research site delivery plans, and be responsible for periodically performance monitoring against those plans to ensure that RDN funding is being used appropriately and effectively Contribute to the oversight and development of RRDN business, financial, strategic development and impact plans, and associated reports Develop and optimise potential for high quality and sustainable health and care research within the region and nationally in alignment with RDN vision, direction and strategic aims Ensure all business planning, implementation and reporting requirements are met in line with the RRDN Host Organisation Contract Ensure effective mechanisms and services are in place for the continued support of the RDN Portfolio, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT Be responsible for the management, coordination and delivery of the following key RRDN services: Study Support Service (including Enhanced, On-Demand Study Support); Agile Research Support; Active National Delivery (regional contribution); Commercial Services; Financial management (including Excess Treatment Costs); Business Operations Line management of the Service/Team Leads for the above RRDN services Ensure that the RRDN is managed in line with the requirements of the RRDN Host Organisation Contract Ensure that the RRDN provides effective, high quality and nationally consistent services Ensure that relevant national strategies, policies and frameworks are fully implemented and associated targets met ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Be a visible leader and actively promoting a culture of staff development, collaboration, positive staff experience, wellbeing and inclusion, and embedding patient, carer and public involvement within the RRDN at all appropriate levels of decision making Be an ambassador for RDN and actively modelling and championing RDN values As part of the RRDN Senior Leadership Team, advance the development of a highly professional and expert team to ensure effective delivery through appraisal, personal development planning, coaching and mentoring Develop effective working relationships with NHSE regional offices, ICSs, AHSNs, LETBs and other local stakeholders and partners Ensure professional supervisory arrangements are in place for the RRDN Staff (the RRDN Core Team, RRDN Agile Research Support Team, and RRDN Specialty and Settings Leads) Promote a learning organisation that uses the knowledge and skills of all members to improve performance and generate helpful and shared outputs Contribute to the ongoing development of the vision and direction for the RDN and translate into deliverable priorities for the RRDN PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Provide strong leadership, engaging with the regional research community to support and enable the efficient set up and delivery of RDN Portfolio research, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the life sciences industry Contribute to the establishment and oversight of effective systems and processes for robust performance management to ensure the RRDN Host Organisation Contract is adhered to Analysis of complex and often conflicting data to identify strategic priorities and business plan activities Identify areas of underperformance and take the necessary action to resolve, using appropriate risk management approaches and escalations LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY Establish mutually beneficial relationships with life sciences industry partners in collaboration with the RDNCC to maximise the opportunities available for the benefit of our population Champion the RDN’s capacity and capability to support Life Sciences Industry research and the contribution of the Life Sciences Industry to the NHS Drive forward the RDN strategies to support the needs of Life Sciences Industry research regionally and nationally Ensure that RRDN services provided to the Life Sciences Industry are provided consistently, within the required timeframes and to a high quality standard and in line with identified national RDN requirements FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Budgetary management for the RRDN hosted services, NHS support costs allocation and the Operations element of the RRDN funding allocation (total RRDN funding to be £35m per annum per RRDN on average) Ensure that effective financial procedures and arrangements are in place and that these are in line with the RRDN Host Organisation’s financial regulations, RDNCC guidance and the RRDN Host Organisation Contract Ensure value for money and strive for continuous efficiencies in use of funding CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. Utilise performance and other available data including benchmarking to identify and drive forward improvements in service delivery and performance Utilise service improvement approaches, such as ‘Lean’, or as directed by RDNCC, to streamline operational delivery systems and processes in order to optimise efficiency, delivery and value for money. Ensure robust mechanisms for continuous operational and business improvement processes are in place, supporting the delivery of transformational change across the RDN Take responsibility for the implementation of all relevant RDN and RRDN policies and procedures NHS AND NON-NHS ENGAGEMENT Develop and foster effective relationships and collaborations with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, ICS/ICBs, HEIs, charities, other NIHR infrastructure, NHSE/I, AHSNs, to enhance and promote research and development across the health and care economy Ensure engagement and commitment from regional NHS organisations / providers of NHS services, other parts of NIHR and key external stakeholders as appropriate to enable implementation of RDN strategies Work across the health and care specialties to identify and develop further opportunities to embed research into the NHS, non-NHS and wider health and care environment ENSURING PATIENT, CARER AND PUBLIC IMPACT ON DELIVERY OF RDN STRATEGY Act as a champion for patients, carers and the public, ensuring that their interests are meaningfully incorporated into the development and delivery of the RDN and RRDN Ensure all patient, carer and public involvement and engagement activities of the RRDN are of the highest professional standard Embed patient, carer and public involvement within the RRDN at all appropriate levels of decision making CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Be accountable for ensuring that all necessary contracts or agreements required are in place before funds are provided to research sites Ensuring that the RRDN and it’s associated services are provided in line with the RRDN Host Organisations corporate governance requirements Person specification Knowledge/Qualifications Essential criteria Masters level qualification or equivalent Management qualification Experience Essential criteria Comprehensive understanding of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients Experience of working in the health and care research sector, the health and social care service sector or academic environment at a senior level Comprehensive understanding of the UK research pathway and funding Experience of managing health and care research support services including the allocation of both funding and human resources Experience of developing and managing high quality customer centric services for commercial and non-commercial customers Comprehensive understanding of life science industry’s needs and requirements with regard to health and care research Experience of contributing to the develop of national policy or strategies and translating those into regional plans Professional research leadership, both strategic and operational at a senior level Experience of working across complex organisational structures and effective matrix management Significant experience of managing a large budget with solid knowledge of financial process requirements Direct experience of business planning and robust financial management at appropriate scale Knowledge of national systems, structures and processes for supporting clinical research in NHS and non-NHS settings Experience of working collaboratively and in partnership with other organisations, with demonstrable experience of delivery across organisational boundaries Evidence of managing effective collaborations and partnerships Good understanding of performance management techniques Knowledge of utilising Business Intelligence solutions to work within a performance management framework Political astuteness and understanding of the health & social care context Comprehensive knowledge of programme sponsorship and management Experience of leading continuous improvement Desirable criteria Understanding of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS Executive level experience Skills Essential criteria Highly developed leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to demonstrate these in highly political environments Proven leadership skills in the management of change Demonstrable ability to use autonomy to undertake actions as a result of own interpretation of policy and guidance, providing a source of expert advice to the organisation Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues Proven interpersonal skills to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations and the ability to develop strong working relationships with senior stakeholders Ability to deal with challenging situations in a formal setting Strong external communications skills in a politically sensitive environment with knowledge of and experience in handling media relations Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive or contentious information orally and in writing, both internally and externally, to a range of audiences Extensive experience of delivering presentations to large groups of stakeholders in often pressured and politically sensitive environments to a high standard (Board level quality) Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information to make judgements regarding a range of highly complex management issues Strong problem solving skills Ability to grasp critical issues and distil them into clear arguments/cases and be able to articulate these verbally or in written form Ability to plan, manage, adjust and deliver complex projects involving multiple agencies and individuals and a broad range of activities to tight deadlines Ability to work independently Ability to understand the long term or widespread implications of decisions Willingness to challenge existing practice Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications and MS Office applications Ability to travel to different locations across the region and nationally to attend meetings and conferences, representing the RDN Ability to use Google Suite products Values and behaviours Essential criteria Highly motivated with the ability to lead and inspire others Appreciation of the impact of organisational culture on service delivery Lives by values which include openness, collaboration, responsiveness, inclusion, personal integrity and creating positive cultures where these values thrive Commitment to supporting the development of staff and understanding of workforce planning Flexible approach to working Attention to detail Outcomes focused Acts as a champion for patients and their interests, ensuring the patients’ voice has an impact on RDN activities Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others Consistently looks to improve what they do and seeks out innovation Self-awareness with regard to emotional intelligence, biases and sensitivities Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity , gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership. Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy. As an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends. Flexible working We are committed to supporting all employees to achieve a healthy work life balance and to work in a way that is best for them and our patients. We will consider all requests to work flexibly, taking in to account the individual’s personal circumstances as well the needs of the service. We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the recruiting manager as part of the on-boarding process. Your e-mail address is important to us - We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis. Please apply for this post by clicking "Apply Online Now." Applicant requirements The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. Further details / informal visits contact Name James Lyddiard Job title Network Director Email address [email protected]