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.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

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.

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