Research Assistant

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a well-established and experienced research and development team at HPFT in this newly created post.

The research assistant will play a key role in the delivery of Trust research and development strategy. The post holder will play a pivotal role in (i) improving staff and service user engagement in research, (ii) expanding research capacity, capabilities, and impact and (iii) improving collaboration, partnership, and research bidding.

The post holder will work closely with the Audit, Continuous Quality Improvement, and Transformation team to include research skills into service evaluations and with clinical research practitioners to support NIHR portfolio related duties.

The post holder will support the development of research grants across the different disciplines within mental health and learning disabilities.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the Research Strategy Operational Lead with the day-to-day running of the research workstreams, related networks, and ongoing projects.

The post holder will work closely with the Audit, Continuous Quality Improvement, and Transformation team to include research skills into service evaluations, supporting projects and assisting staff to publish their work in journals and conferences.

The post holder will support the activities of the Mental Health and Learning Disability Research Network.

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provides health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health, and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings.

Everything is underpinned by choice, independence, and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Job responsibilities

Mental Health and Learning Disabilities (MHLD) Research Network Development

• Organise meetings and events for the MHLD Research Network. Chair and minute where required.
• Preparation and delivery of presentations, reports, and newsletters detailing the work of the MHLD Research Network, its initiatives, and performance.
• Contribute to the management of intranet, website, and social media accounts for the Research and Development Department.
• Support Principal Investigators (PIs) in the recruitment of study subjects.
• Undertake duties delegated by PIs for a range of studies.

Project Design, Delivery, Management and Dissemination

• Assist in the delivery and management of research projects, service evaluations, quality improvement initiatives, and audits across the Trust.
• Assist with the delivery of research studies, including NIHR portfolio research studies, industry-sponsored clinical trials, and Trust own-account research projects.
• Undertake data analysis using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Ensure projects are completed within specified timeframes and to a high-quality standard.
• Contribute to the dissemination of completed projects in various formats, including writing research publications.
• Identify quality improvement opportunities through analysis and critical thinking.
• Help to develop and deliver training packages to diverse groups of staff and stakeholders.

Communication and Relationships

• Identify, establish, and maintain working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Devise email, website, and social media content to update stakeholders.
• Participate in communication, including preparation and delivery of presentations and reports.

Governance Management

• Maintain a strong and current working knowledge of developments regarding clinical research and governance.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current legislation regarding Data Protection.

Continuous Professional Development

• Update knowledge and understanding of clinical populations served by the Trust.
• Monitor developments in relevant services regarding audit, service evaluation, and research.
• Attend local and national events to remain up to date on field developments.

Health and Safety

Staff have a duty to take responsible care to avoid injury to themselves and others by their work activities.

Infection Control

All Trust staff will act as role models for the highest standard of infection prevention and control.

Equality and Diversity

The Trust is committed to providing an environment where all staff, service users, and carers enjoy equality of access and opportunity.

Confidentiality

Employees must maintain confidentiality and comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018.

Standards of Business Conduct and Conflicts of Interest

All staff must uphold the principle of a leading mental Trust and inform their line manager of any other employment.

Information and Records Management

The post holder must be competent in using IT and adhere to Trust policies on records management.

Safeguarding Adults and Children

The Trust is committed to ensuring adults and children are protected from abuse.

Organisational Change

The post holder may be required to undertake other responsibilities within the Trust as services develop.

Flexible Working

The Trust believes in helping its employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements.

Review:

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and may be amended in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Knowledge/ Qualifications/ Training

• Awareness of Patient and Public Involvement in clinical practice and research.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.