Health Research Authority

Workflow Monitoring Manager

The closing date is 13 July 2025

Job summary

The primary purpose of the role is to ensure the high-quality oversight HRA regulatory approvals process, including collection, analysis and reporting of key HRA Approval Management Information, including activity and performance data and reaction and work where necessary to support studies and amendments to pass smoothly through the process.

Though within the Operations Division and with a primary focus on the oversight of research studies within the process of HRA regulatory approvals the post holder will also be integral to the HRA Approvals Directorate as a whole, and will provide onward reporting of metrics.

The role will have significant responsibility for establishing usual practice regarding Management Information collation and reporting, and delivery of HRA regulatory approvals alongside the Approvals Operations leadership team. The role will support Senior Management in the establishment of how and to whom metrics are derived and presented.

The post holder will have responsibility for delivering innovation initiatives in collaboration with colleagues across the Approvals directorate.

The post holder must have an expert appreciation of the HRA regulatory approvals process, the research environment within which the HRA regulatory approvals process is delivered and the relationships between the interested stakeholders.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

  • Act as the central point for management of study and amendment escalations, ensuring appropriate oversight and supporting re-prioritisation of existing workload alongside the leadership team.
  • Collate and analyse metrics on HRA regulatory approvals and its component steps and work with external parties holding data about the metrics of the wider study set-up process to derive data on the performance and impact of Approvals.
  • Manage the Workflow Administration Team to ensure they are fulfilling their roles competently and efficiently.
  • Identify and suggest innovations to the working practice of the Operations Division to reduce duplication, increase efficiency and support.
  • Work with HRA colleagues to establish Key Performance Indicator reporting functionality, and develop tools to support preferred ways of presenting information to the Directorate Management, Senior Leadership Team, HRA Boards and external stakeholders.
  • Undertake data analysis and review of other business intelligence to identify areas where innovative solutions may be required, in discussion with the Regulatory Performance and Innovation Manager
  • Contribute to the delivery of innovation initiatives, including defining, testing and co-ordinating implementation, tracking impact through data and reporting on outcomes to key decision making groups.

About us

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.

We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that help us to deliver the best services.

We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. This includes:o ageo disabilityo ethnicityo gender identity and expressiono religion or beliefo sexo sexual orientationo other diverse characteristics

We have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement - if it works for you, we'll do our best to make it work for us.

Please note, if applying to our Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.

Details

Date posted

26 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number

980-HRA7266488

Job locations

Home based

Home based

M1 3DZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

This role sits within the HRA Approvals Service directorate which consists of various teams that all work together to provide the appropriate approval for health research in England and, for some applications, across the UK. This directorate is responsible for:- Delivering HRA Approval- Supporting the Confidentiality Advisory Group and advising on the use of confidentialpatient information without consent- Working to refine the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift,robust and simple experience- Providing guidance to applicants- Providing training- Working collaboratively with external partners to improve the research environment To findout more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job descriptionattached.

In submitting your application with us, please note the following:We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This role sits within the HRA Approvals Service directorate which consists of various teams that all work together to provide the appropriate approval for health research in England and, for some applications, across the UK. This directorate is responsible for:- Delivering HRA Approval- Supporting the Confidentiality Advisory Group and advising on the use of confidentialpatient information without consent- Working to refine the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift,robust and simple experience- Providing guidance to applicants- Providing training- Working collaboratively with external partners to improve the research environment To findout more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job descriptionattached.

In submitting your application with us, please note the following:We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered.The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Post-graduate -level qualification or evidenced ability to work at a similar intellectual level

Knowledge, skills and expertise

Essential

  • Expert understanding of the HRA role and remit
  • Excellent computer skills, fully competent in the use of Microsoft programs and of at least one system for managing research applications (e.g. HARP, CSP Module etc.). Including developing and managing an Access database to collate multiple information fields and generation of high quality reports.

Desirable

  • Expert knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
  • Understanding and knowledge of relevant legislation and national policy including Clinical Trials Regulations which impacts on conduct of research

Experience

Essential

  • Ability to work to frequent deadlines
  • Experience of leadership and line management within the NHS, including leading remote teams
  • Experience in developing and maintaining a complex database to a high level of accuracy

Desirable

  • Presentation skills including the ability to conduct meetings and deliver presentations and workshops using a range of presentational aids
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment with minimal supervision
  • Expert understanding of research methodologies and appropriate legislative and research management arrangements for different research types
  • Experience in drafting procedures or processes
  • Experience in designing and delivering training

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving and analytical skills, including ability to interpret and prepare reports

Desirable

  • Data analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative) including the analysis of multiple sources of information to ensure compliance with targets and performance indicators
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty
  • Highly self-motivated, confident, pro-active, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative
  • Flexible working approach, with proactive approach to change

Interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others
  • Interpersonal skills to include: diplomacy and sensitivity negotiating and influencing including ability to say 'no' ability to work well with others, at all levels in an organisation including senior staff
  • Ability to develop good communications within the extended research community
  • Able to present arguments and justification for actions confidently including with other regulators

Other

Desirable

  • Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity Application/Interview
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Post-graduate -level qualification or evidenced ability to work at a similar intellectual level

Knowledge, skills and expertise

Essential

  • Expert understanding of the HRA role and remit
  • Excellent computer skills, fully competent in the use of Microsoft programs and of at least one system for managing research applications (e.g. HARP, CSP Module etc.). Including developing and managing an Access database to collate multiple information fields and generation of high quality reports.

Desirable

  • Expert knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
  • Understanding and knowledge of relevant legislation and national policy including Clinical Trials Regulations which impacts on conduct of research

Experience

Essential

  • Ability to work to frequent deadlines
  • Experience of leadership and line management within the NHS, including leading remote teams
  • Experience in developing and maintaining a complex database to a high level of accuracy

Desirable

  • Presentation skills including the ability to conduct meetings and deliver presentations and workshops using a range of presentational aids
  • Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment with minimal supervision
  • Expert understanding of research methodologies and appropriate legislative and research management arrangements for different research types
  • Experience in drafting procedures or processes
  • Experience in designing and delivering training

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Essential

  • Problem solving and analytical skills, including ability to interpret and prepare reports

Desirable

  • Data analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative) including the analysis of multiple sources of information to ensure compliance with targets and performance indicators
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty
  • Highly self-motivated, confident, pro-active, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative
  • Flexible working approach, with proactive approach to change

Interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others
  • Interpersonal skills to include: diplomacy and sensitivity negotiating and influencing including ability to say 'no' ability to work well with others, at all levels in an organisation including senior staff
  • Ability to develop good communications within the extended research community
  • Able to present arguments and justification for actions confidently including with other regulators

Other

Desirable

  • Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity Application/Interview

Employer details

Employer name

Health Research Authority

Address

Home based

Home based

M1 3DZ


Employer's website

https://www.hra.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Health Research Authority

Address

Home based

Home based

M1 3DZ


Employer's website

https://www.hra.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Workflow Monitoring Manager

Ashley Totenhofer

ashley.totenhofer@hra.nhs.uk

02071048017

Details

Date posted

26 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number

980-HRA7266488

Job locations

Home based

Home based

M1 3DZ


Supporting documents

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