Research & Innovation Manager | South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Posting date:	17 July 2025
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	£47,810 - £54,710 Pa pro rata
Hours:	Part time
Closing date:	16 August 2025
Location:	Bicester, Oxon / Otterbourne, Hants, OX26 6HR
Company:	South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	7292676/195-25-254-ALE

Summary

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is seeking an experienced, forward-thinkingResearch & Innovation Managerto lead on research governance across the Trust. This is a rare opportunity to support impactful health research within a dynamic, patient-centred organisation with unique reach into communities across the region.

As subject matter expert for research governance, you’ll provide trusted guidance to colleagues across SCAS and lead on critical processes - from study approvals to sponsorship reviews. You’ll also play a central role in strengthening and expanding our research portfolio, through close collaboration with research sponsors, ethics committees, funders, and NHS partners. We seek a proven leader with extensive experience in health research governance and confidence in navigating complex regulatory and funding landscapes. You’ll bring excellent communication and organisational skills along with the ability to navigate competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

SCAS is at the cutting edge of urgent and emergency care innovation, and our research ambitions are growing. You’ll join a passionate team committed to improving outcomes for patients and driving meaningful change in the NHS.

This is a 12 month fixed-term opportunity with a maximum availability of 1.0 WTE. The successful candidate could be based either in Bicester, Oxon) or Otterbourne, Hants with potential for home-based working. A part-time appointment is possible (minimum 0.6 WTE).

1. To work with the Senior Research Paramedic and Head of Research Operations to shape a culture of safe, legal, high-quality research.

2. To serve as subject matter expert in research governance, ensuring adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and compliance with standard operating procedures.

3. To undertake capacity and capability assessment of new projects and to lead on set-up of clinical research projects in accordance with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.

4. To work closely with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of grant applications. To facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and co-ordination to assess needs, refine proposals and optimise funding strategies.

5. To lead the research sponsorship process for the Trust, playing a key role in ensuring the delivery of the regulatory, financial and contractual obligations of the sponsor.

6. To monitor active research studies and support the team to ensure accurate data recording and timely performance reporting in accordance with local and national requirements.

7. To maintain adherence to protocol-mandated safety reporting procedures.

8. To lead and manage study closedown procedures, ensuring all documentation and data are securely archived in accordance with study protocols.

9. To take a key role in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all research participants.

Benefits we offer:
• Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
• Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
• Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
• Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
• Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
• NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
• Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).

Corporate Induction

It’s really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).

All new starters need to attend our *Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.

*Please note – depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.

1Research Governance

11.Provide expert advice to the SCAS research team and internal stakeholders on research governance matters, ensuring effective oversight of local arrangements.

22.Provide expert advice to SCAS staff on the distinction between research, service evaluation and audit, ensuring appropriate methodologies and regulatory compliance for each.

33.Assess the financial feasibility of research activities using the AcoRD framework.

44.Advise SCAS staff on local and national study approvals processes and standards of best practice in research.

5.Manage the SCAS research study approval system to ensure prompt and efficient processing of applications and that all relevant approvals are in place prior to commencement of research activities.

66.Lead on SCAS Sponsorship review and processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.



77.Facilitate the grant application process, guiding the team to suitable funding opportunities and ensuring strong applications.



88.Assist with IRAS applications for research projects, ensuring accurate submission and facilitating portfolio inclusion where applicable.

99.Oversee review, approval and implementation of research agreements and funding arrangements, ensuring clarity and compliance.



110.Oversee applications for amendments for home-grown studies and ensure implementation of amendments for external projects.



Please see JD attached for full duties.


This advert closes on Thursday 31 Jul 2025

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.