The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.
Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements.
Job overview
We are looking for a Deputy Director of Digital to join us during an ambitious programme of digital investment that will transform our systems to provide a coordinated research approvals service. This transformation programme will connect the processes for health and social care research in the UK and help make the UK a great place to do research that people can trust. Reporting to the Chief Digital Transformation Officer, this new role will be responsible for continuity of live service, including transition to business as usual (BAU) as the programme business transformation, systems build and data progresses.
The successful candidate will be a highly effective leader who has strong experience leading and motivating both in house and outsourced teams. You will plan, manage and lead BAU work from concept through to delivery, including allocation and coordination of all development resources from business analysts, technical resources and suppliers. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining strong adherence to government functional standards, and defining clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities that align with HRA practice.
You will liaise with other functional areas of the team to ensure adherence to architecture standards, quality assurance of delivery and impact assessment of change on operations, technical support and service management teams. You will engage with stakeholders to ensure good communication at all stages of transformational change.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will:
1. Manage project work requests, using an appropriate level of nationally recognised methodologies such as SAFe Agile/PRINCE2 Agile to ensure that the work is conducted within a controlled and effective delivery mechanism.
2. Manage the Approval Regulation Support Service, using an appropriate level of nationally recognised methodologies such as ITIL to ensure that the service is delivered within a controlled and effective support framework.
3. Monitor all dependencies and ensure that any issues between BAU work or projects are resolved within a timely manner.
4. Be a proactive member of the HRA Digital Heads team. Using expert experience and skills to ensure that the department functions are cohesive and deliver the organisations objectives.
5. Use expert knowledge and skills to actively support the development and implementation of the HRA’s Digital Strategy.
6. Have comprehensive knowledge of research applications software and their supporting processes within a research regulation setting.
7. Have an extensive experience of configuration and development of systems and IT service management.
8. Have a strong appreciation of the Department of Health and Clinical Research Delivery vision to improve the UK’s clinical research ecosystem – a dynamic partnership of government, academia, industry, the NHS and the public, all aligned on the urgent need to develop treatments to prevent or treat an urgent health need.
Working for our organisation
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:
* age
* disability
* ethnicity
* gender identity and expression
* religion or belief
* sex
* sexual orientation
* 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role sits within HRA Digital. The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors.
To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Professional qualifications relevant to role, for example ITIL, programme/project management, digital standards to at least masters level, or equivalent experience.
Other
* Commitment to Inclusivity and valuing diversity
* Substantial evidence ongoing professional development relevant to digital transformation and human centred digital services.
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
* Design and delivery according to Government Digital Service standards. This will include a deep and in depth understanding and appreciation of accessibility requirements, user needs and how to determine and deliver them. This should include significant expertise in human-centred design and Agile software development.
* Expert knowledge of modern approaches and relevant emerging technologies relating to human centred digital services.
Experience
* Significant senior management level responsibility for digital transformation and digital service design and delivery.
* Significant and in depth experience of having defined and delivered highly complex, high value digital, data, technology and business transformation projects and programmes within a highly complex multi-vendor environment. Delivering them in line with government digital and function standards.
* Experience of working at the highest levels with internal and external stakeholders.
* Prior experience of working in a highly regulated industry or public sector.
* A track record of maximising complex supply chain, and managing high value commercial relationships.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
* Expert level experience in developing and negotiating business cases and funding proposals with the ability to balance expectations with cost efficiency to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills
* Developmental and inspiring manager with a track record of building and/or increasing internal capability and moving teams to new and better ways of working.
* Experience of working in a matrix environment, able to lead and influence to achieve organisation and system results without direct management control.
In return for your commitment, we offer excellent opportunities for personal development and a healthy work-life balance. The HRA is committed to promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality. We welcome and encourage applications, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity and gender expression, disability, race, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, sex or sexual orientation or any other personal circumstances. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made upon request, for candidates with a disability. The HRA welcomes applicants who are interested in flexible working including job share, part time work, secondments or home-based working. Please discuss any preferred flexibility at your interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr