Job summary
DHC GP Federation is a patient focused and pro-active community-based
provider working across East Surrey and Surrey Downs with strong links to all
the GPs working within our Federation.
Due to strategic growth in 2025, we are
expanding to include seven Primary Care Networks (PCNs), which in turn are made
up of 20 GP practices.
You will work with our Research Clinical Lead, working
closely with PCNs and Practices to support and deliver clinical studies and
trials across the organisation.
Please note this role is not solely based at Dorking Hospital, but will involve working across multiple sites within the federation as required.
Main duties of the job
The Research Assistant will provide administrative and project support for clinical research within DHC, and support research funding applications.
This includes working with a range of stakeholders across the organisation as well as in
partnership with academic and commercial partners to increase research activity
in line with DHC's wider organisation strategy.
The post holder
will support the Clinical Lead to deliver the research strategy for DHC and
feeding the outcomes of these projects back into clinical practice with the
intention of sharing best practice and ensuring the highest quality care for
our patients.
Key themes:
- Study Coordination and Support help with the
setup of studies across the Federation, tracking deadlines, submissions, and
study activity. Supporting practices/troubleshooting as needed.
- Administrative
Support supporting with the completion and maintenance of accurate study
related documents e.g. delegation logs. Helping practices stay up to date with
training and regulatory requirements for research.
- Establish and maintain collaborative
relationships with both internal and external stakeholders such as GP
Practices, academic institutions, other healthcare providers, regulatory
bodies, industry partners, patients and public. Acting as a central point of
contact for Research in the Federation along with the Clinical Lead.
- Delivering Federation-level research studies
e.g. running searches/mail outs.
About us
DHC
is a GP Federation dedicated to supporting general practice in Surrey by
providing high-quality healthcare. By working together, we develop health
services that help our patients stay well, are efficient and meet the needs of
our local stakeholders. We place people at the centre of everything we do. We
provide a wide range of quality healthcare services including elective care,
Talking Therapies, community healthcare which we integrate and co-ordinate with
primary care.
We
are registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and are an accredited AQP
(Any Qualified Provider). We value our team and provide strong leadership with
great professional development, in a fun and friendly environment.
DHC
is working at the center of the local health system to evolve and deliver
integrated care and that requires strong partnerships with many organizations.
In all of our services, we aim to put the patient at the center of their care,
make sure our services are easy to access by local patients and reduce waiting
times for patients. We are well placed to influence the wider system in making
good choices for our population.
Benefits
- Competitive
salaries and career development
- A
great place to work
- NHS
Pension scheme
- EAP
- Generous
Annual leave with the opportunity to buy or sell leave
DHC
actively encourages and promotes diversity, ensures all voices are heard and
included, and is committed to equal opportunities for all.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
DHC GP Federation is a patient focused and pro-active community-based
provider working across East Surrey and Surrey Downs with strong links to all
the GPs working within our Federation. Due to strategic growth, in 2025 we are
expanding to include seven Primary Care Networks (PCNs), which in turn are made
up of 20 practices. You will work as part of the central Federation team,
working closely with PCNs and Practices to support and supervise clinical
studies and trials across the organisation.
The role of the Clinical Research Assistant is to support the management
and operational aspects of clinical research within DHC. This includes joint
working with the Clinical Research Lead, clinicians across the organisation, senior
managers and partners, potential researchers and in partnership with academic
and commercial partners to increase research activity in line with DHCs wider
organisation strategy.
The post holder will support operational aspects of the research
strategy for DHC, ensuring effective management of these projects and strong communication
throughout the process, feeding back on the progress and outcomes to relevant
parties across the organisation.
You will be supported through our central senior management team as well
as our links with the Clinical Research Network (CRN) in Kent, Surrey and
Sussex (KSS) in order to provide dedicated operational and administrative
support to those involved in the delivery of clinical research across the
organisation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST
Key responsibilities will include but are
not limited to:
- Support and coordinate the operational
aspects of clinical research, working in partnership with key stakeholders to
secure the achievement and maintenance of national targets, including the
accrual of patients into trials and other high-quality studies within the
Federation.
- Maintain links with the National Institute
for Health and Care Research (NIHR) CRN KSS to support the setup and timely
delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies.
- Supporting the application process of
expression of interest forms for research studies.
- Understanding the requirements of the various ethical and regulatory
bodies, agencies and frameworks, and co-ordinating any necessary audit
processes.
- Supporting with the preparation, creation and maintenance of study
materials and establishing procedures to ensure adherence to study protocols
and administrative requirements.
- To invite, host and liaise with clinical trial sponsors, academics and
clinical research organisations to promote DHC as the organisation of choice
for clinical trials in our area.
- Ensuring clinical safety and ethical practice.
- Demonstrating motivation, reliability,
flexibility, and commitment to the role.
- Establishing and maintaining good working
relationships with stakeholders and GP practice teams.
The post holder must maintain the
confidentiality of information about patients staff and DHC business in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Caldicott principles.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATION
- To support managerial and operational aspects of clinical research
activities.
- To foster involvement of service users and carers in the research and
innovation agenda, including co-production of research projects.
- To hold an overview of the research portfolio including outcomes of
studies and publications and ensuring these are fed back across the
organisation and to the R&D office.
- To facilitate contact with the R&D Directorate and the Local
Clinical Research Network (LCRN) in order to bid for studies which are in the
NIHR approved portfolio and which may be suitable for opening within DHC.
- To consolidate and establish links with academic partners to drive
research forward in line with DHCs research strategies.
- To lead on the design, planning and implementation of systems for
evaluation, monitoring and development of the service, using professional
skills in research, service evaluation and audit.
- To liaise with the Clinical Leads in practices to ensure a coherent
research strategy is developed, consistent with legal requirements, national
policy, accepted good practice and overall objectives.
- To ensure that study outcomes and the impact on clinical practice are
fed back to clinical teams, and are disseminated at local, national and
international forums where appropriate.
- To support staff within DHC in developing and carrying out research or
service delivery projects.
Organisational Effectiveness
- Work effectively with the rest of the clinical and non-clinical teams.
- Effectively manage own time, workload, and resources.
- Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance where applicable.
- Participate in audit where appropriate.
- Review and process data using accurate coding to ensure easy and
accurate retrieval for monitoring and audit processes.
- Understand your responsibilities relating to confidentiality and freedom
of information.
Delivering Quality
- To monitor and review the effectiveness of the research work undertaken
through line management and performance reviews.
- Support and participate in shared learning across the practices and
wider DHC organisation.
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own
actions, either directly or under supervision.
Health and Safety
- To have an awareness of national standards of infection control and
cleanliness and regulatory, contractual, professional requirements, and good
practice guidelines.
- Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate
measures are in place to protect staff and patients.
- Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from
hazards and conform to the practices health & safety and infection control
policies.
- To engage in audits as required and appropriate.
- To ensure all equipment is tested annually and any faults are reported
in a timely manner.
- To log all faults and arrange replacements/repair where necessary and
appropriate.
- To report any risks and undertake Significant Event
Analysis where appropriate, feeding back to the wider team.
Training and Development
- Personal development will be encouraged and supported by DHC and the
practices.
- It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments
within the health service.
- Statutory and mandatory training is undertaken annually through
e-learning.
- You are responsible for holding and updating your Personal Development
Plan which will be reviewed annually at appraisal.
- Participate in the education and training
provided by the Training Hub.
- If it is necessary to expand the role to
include additional responsibilities, full training will be given.
- Make effective use of learning opportunities within and outside the
workplace, evaluating their effectiveness and feeding back relevant information
Meetings
- It may be necessary to attend and contribute
to various Practice and DHC meetings as appropriate.
- To attend regular meetings with your line
manager, feeding back on health checks delivery.
- Participate in educational events/meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
DHC GP Federation is a patient focused and pro-active community-based
provider working across East Surrey and Surrey Downs with strong links to all
the GPs working within our Federation. Due to strategic growth, in 2025 we are
expanding to include seven Primary Care Networks (PCNs), which in turn are made
up of 20 practices. You will work as part of the central Federation team,
working closely with PCNs and Practices to support and supervise clinical
studies and trials across the organisation.
The role of the Clinical Research Assistant is to support the management
and operational aspects of clinical research within DHC. This includes joint
working with the Clinical Research Lead, clinicians across the organisation, senior
managers and partners, potential researchers and in partnership with academic
and commercial partners to increase research activity in line with DHCs wider
organisation strategy.
The post holder will support operational aspects of the research
strategy for DHC, ensuring effective management of these projects and strong communication
throughout the process, feeding back on the progress and outcomes to relevant
parties across the organisation.
You will be supported through our central senior management team as well
as our links with the Clinical Research Network (CRN) in Kent, Surrey and
Sussex (KSS) in order to provide dedicated operational and administrative
support to those involved in the delivery of clinical research across the
organisation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST
Key responsibilities will include but are
not limited to:
- Support and coordinate the operational
aspects of clinical research, working in partnership with key stakeholders to
secure the achievement and maintenance of national targets, including the
accrual of patients into trials and other high-quality studies within the
Federation.
- Maintain links with the National Institute
for Health and Care Research (NIHR) CRN KSS to support the setup and timely
delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies.
- Supporting the application process of
expression of interest forms for research studies.
- Understanding the requirements of the various ethical and regulatory
bodies, agencies and frameworks, and co-ordinating any necessary audit
processes.
- Supporting with the preparation, creation and maintenance of study
materials and establishing procedures to ensure adherence to study protocols
and administrative requirements.
- To invite, host and liaise with clinical trial sponsors, academics and
clinical research organisations to promote DHC as the organisation of choice
for clinical trials in our area.
- Ensuring clinical safety and ethical practice.
- Demonstrating motivation, reliability,
flexibility, and commitment to the role.
- Establishing and maintaining good working
relationships with stakeholders and GP practice teams.
The post holder must maintain the
confidentiality of information about patients staff and DHC business in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Caldicott principles.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ADMINISTRATION
- To support managerial and operational aspects of clinical research
activities.
- To foster involvement of service users and carers in the research and
innovation agenda, including co-production of research projects.
- To hold an overview of the research portfolio including outcomes of
studies and publications and ensuring these are fed back across the
organisation and to the R&D office.
- To facilitate contact with the R&D Directorate and the Local
Clinical Research Network (LCRN) in order to bid for studies which are in the
NIHR approved portfolio and which may be suitable for opening within DHC.
- To consolidate and establish links with academic partners to drive
research forward in line with DHCs research strategies.
- To lead on the design, planning and implementation of systems for
evaluation, monitoring and development of the service, using professional
skills in research, service evaluation and audit.
- To liaise with the Clinical Leads in practices to ensure a coherent
research strategy is developed, consistent with legal requirements, national
policy, accepted good practice and overall objectives.
- To ensure that study outcomes and the impact on clinical practice are
fed back to clinical teams, and are disseminated at local, national and
international forums where appropriate.
- To support staff within DHC in developing and carrying out research or
service delivery projects.
Organisational Effectiveness
- Work effectively with the rest of the clinical and non-clinical teams.
- Effectively manage own time, workload, and resources.
- Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance where applicable.
- Participate in audit where appropriate.
- Review and process data using accurate coding to ensure easy and
accurate retrieval for monitoring and audit processes.
- Understand your responsibilities relating to confidentiality and freedom
of information.
Delivering Quality
- To monitor and review the effectiveness of the research work undertaken
through line management and performance reviews.
- Support and participate in shared learning across the practices and
wider DHC organisation.
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own
actions, either directly or under supervision.
Health and Safety
- To have an awareness of national standards of infection control and
cleanliness and regulatory, contractual, professional requirements, and good
practice guidelines.
- Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate
measures are in place to protect staff and patients.
- Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from
hazards and conform to the practices health & safety and infection control
policies.
- To engage in audits as required and appropriate.
- To ensure all equipment is tested annually and any faults are reported
in a timely manner.
- To log all faults and arrange replacements/repair where necessary and
appropriate.
- To report any risks and undertake Significant Event
Analysis where appropriate, feeding back to the wider team.
Training and Development
- Personal development will be encouraged and supported by DHC and the
practices.
- It is the individuals responsibility to remain up to date with recent developments
within the health service.
- Statutory and mandatory training is undertaken annually through
e-learning.
- You are responsible for holding and updating your Personal Development
Plan which will be reviewed annually at appraisal.
- Participate in the education and training
provided by the Training Hub.
- If it is necessary to expand the role to
include additional responsibilities, full training will be given.
- Make effective use of learning opportunities within and outside the
workplace, evaluating their effectiveness and feeding back relevant information
Meetings
- It may be necessary to attend and contribute
to various Practice and DHC meetings as appropriate.
- To attend regular meetings with your line
manager, feeding back on health checks delivery.
- Participate in educational events/meetings.
Person Specification
Attributes
Essential
- A positive approach to delivering an inclusive, high-quality service.
- Confident, calm and objective.
- Approachable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic
Qualifications
Essential
- Experience of working in an administrative/coordination role.
- Experience of working in a team.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a research/clinical environment, management of staff and/or complex systems and processes
Skills
Essential
- Project management
- Computer literate
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group within the community
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills
Desirable
- Ability to use information systems to manage data; ability to use Microsoft Office suite and patient record keeping systems to an Advanced level
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of healthcare processes and principles of clinical researach
Desirable
- Knowledge of DHC as an organisation; our values, goals and objectives.
- Wide experience of liaising and negotiating with senior academic, clinical and management staff in the same and partner organisations.
- Knowledge of the Research Governance Framework and the processes involved with gaining NHS approval
Person Specification
Attributes
Essential
- A positive approach to delivering an inclusive, high-quality service.
- Confident, calm and objective.
- Approachable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic
Qualifications
Essential
- Experience of working in an administrative/coordination role.
- Experience of working in a team.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a research/clinical environment, management of staff and/or complex systems and processes
Skills
Essential
- Project management
- Computer literate
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group within the community
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills
Desirable
- Ability to use information systems to manage data; ability to use Microsoft Office suite and patient record keeping systems to an Advanced level
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of healthcare processes and principles of clinical researach
Desirable
- Knowledge of DHC as an organisation; our values, goals and objectives.
- Wide experience of liaising and negotiating with senior academic, clinical and management staff in the same and partner organisations.
- Knowledge of the Research Governance Framework and the processes involved with gaining NHS approval
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
