Job overview
Are you looking for an opportunity to be at the cutting edge of Research? A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Research Governance Officer to join the Research Governance Team at Sussex Partnership NHS foundation Trust. This is a permanent, part-time oppotunity for an individual with previous research governance experience to join our established team to, support the set up and delivery of research studies at SPFT.
As Research Governance Officer you will be responsible for assuring compliance of our sponsored research with all relevant laws and regulations and will deliver on-going research audit and monitoring programs.
Our ideal candidate will have significant experience of working in a research support environment with an understanding of NHS R&D systems and clinical research issues such as research governance, ethical review, Medicines for Human Use Regulations, etc.
Main duties of the job
You will support the Research Governance Manager in ensuring that research taking place within Sussex Partnership adheres to the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
The main duties will be those relating to the assessment and arrangement of capacity and capability for the Trust to deliver research studies. This includes, but is not limited to, risk assessment, managing internal authorisations, contract review and making HR arrangements.
You will also support with on-going monitoring of research studies and processing amendments.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Work closely with local research teams, providing guidance on internal and national research approval pathways and Research Governance requirements.
- Liaise with external colleagues within Higher Education Industries, the NIHR and regulatory agencies to ensure the smooth set-up of research studies.
- Review research contracts, ensuring they include necessary clauses for data protection, intellectual property, confidentiality, and publication rights, and liaise with external partners to resolve any issues.
- Process applications for research passports and administer letters of access for external staff.
- Undertake Research Governance reviews, considering the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research as well as Good Clinical Practice and internal policies and procedures to inform the review.
- Consider data protection arrangements and advise on the need for information sharing agreements and Data Protection Impact Assessments.
- Use the online research management system, EDGE, to manage study information and monitor study progress.
- Monitor active studies against GCP standards, adhering to local Standard Operating Processes.
- Report on study set-up metrics and dissemination of research findings.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Advanced skills in MS Microsoft; Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Numerate and good analytical skills requiring a high degree of concentration
- Excellent range of communication skills and good interpersonal skills
- Evidence of successful project management skills
- Excellent organisational and planning skills
Desirable
- Able to engage with people at all levels
Knowledge
Essential
- Working knowledge of UK Policy Wide Framework for Health & Social Care Research gained through training or experience in governance posts
- Experience and evidence of analysing, interpreting and presenting information
- Experience and evidence of supporting and leading on a project
Desirable
- Experience as an active researcher
- Lived experience of mental health issues
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent research qualification
- Evidence of continuous personal and professional development
Approach, Values
Essential
- Motivated and proactive
- Ability to plan own workload, Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
- Conscientious approach
- Positive approach to problem solving
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Research Governance Officer with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Worthing, South East, England. It is listed as a Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 31 Jul 2026.
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