Approvals Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual(s) to join our team to undertake the role of Approvals Manager (Band
7).

This will be a senior leadership role is part of the Support and Delivery Centres Approvals Team within Health and Care Research Wales.

Health and Care Research Wales is a networked organisation, supported by Welsh Government, which brings together a wide range of partners across the NHS in Wales, local authorities, universities, research institutions, third sector and others.

The post holder will require excellent communication skills, have a positive and flexible approach to the needs of the Service, be motivated, ready for the next challenge and enjoy working as part of a very busy team.

The post may close early if sufficient applications are received.

The post holder will provide line management, supervision, and day-to-day support to Approvals Specialists and designated staff. Leading the team to ensure effective performance, staff development, and consistent operational cover for REC meetings.

They will oversee the smooth running of REC operations, including workflow management, allocation of applications and amendments, ensuring REC meetings are appropriately staffed, and maintaining high-quality delivery in line with HRA/Health and Care Research Wales Approval practices.

Provide expert guidance to applicants and staff on complex or unprecedented issues. Contribute specialist knowledge to REC proceedings and, when required, to the wider HRA/Health and Care Research Wales Advice and Guidance function.

Collate feedback, identify themes, and contribute to governance reporting. Interpret metrics for KPI monitoring, support policy development, and play an active role in process improvement and implementation of change.

This is a Health & Care Research Wales post, hosted by Powys Teaching Health Board.

Health and Care Research Wales is a networked organisation, supported by Welsh Government, which brings together a wide range of partners across the NHS in Wales, local authorities, universities, research institutions, third sector and others.

Health and Care Research Wales works in support of Welsh Government's overarching goal which is to ensure that today's research makes a difference to tomorrow's care.

Its mission is to promote, support and provide collective oversight of health and social care research in Wales. Ensuring it is of the highest international scientific quality, is relevant to the needs and challenges of health and social care in Wales and makes a difference to policy and practice in ways that improve the lives of patients, people, and communities in Wales.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post;
Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

• Degree-level qualification or evidenced ability to work at a similar intellectual level
• Post-graduate qualification, preferably in a scientific discipline, law/ ethics, or management or equivalent experienc
• Thorough understanding of the HCRW / HRA role and remit
• Expert knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
• Expert understanding and knowledge of relevant legislation and national policy including Human Tissue Act, Mental Capacity Act, GDPR, Clinical Trials Regulations, which impacts on conduct of research
• Data analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative) including the analysis of multiple sources of information to ensure compliance with targets and performance indicators
• Expert understanding of research methodologies and appropriate legislative and research management arrangements for different research types
• Expert understanding of NHS research funding and contracting arrangements
• Awareness of clinical research structures in Wales and England and equivalent arrangements in other devolved administrations
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty
• Problem solving and analytical skills, including ability to interpret and prepare reports
• Computer literate, competent in the use of Microsoft programs
• Presentation skills including the ability to conduct meetings and deliver presentations and workshops using a range of presentational aids
• Ability to work to frequent challenging deadlines
• Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment with minimal supervision

• Experience of leading a team
• Experience of reviewing portfolio or non portfolio studies in NHS R&D or a clinical research environment, or as a Coordinator or Facilitator of health research studies in the UK
• Experience of monitoring, or carrying out audits
• Experience in designing and delivering…