Job summary Expected Shortlisting Date: 17/02/2025 Planned Interview Date: 28/02/2025 The Workforce and People Senior Manager is responsible for delivering regional elements of the NIHR RDN Workforce strategy, including learning, organisational development (OD), and inclusion initiatives. This includes ensuring sites and networks have the necessary skills to deliver RDN effectively. The role leads on strategic workforce planning, develops workforce intelligence, and drives equality, diversity, and inclusion efforts within the RRDN. The post holder provides operational management of the Workforce Development function and line management for Learning & Development Facilitator, Digital Learning Designer, and Clinical Educator posts. Responsibilities also include staff performance reviews, identifying training needs, and ensuring capabilities align with business objectives. Main duties of the job Lead regional delivery of RDN Workforce strategy, inspire teams, represent region nationally, and propose innovations to enhance workforce capacity and capability. Coordinate annual planning, and input into RRDN business planning, with focus on workforce, development, and inclusion. Develop national systems for workforce intelligence, manage learning and development programs, and use Information and Learning Technology to support teaching. Manage Workforce Development staff, ensure effective induction programs, and oversee regional/national training delivery. Write regional policies and provide expert guidance on research governance. Contribute to national projects, develop inclusive learning programs, and partner with colleagues for consistent development opportunities. Manage GCP Facilitator Development, ensure standardized delivery, and handle performance management locally. Collaborate with the Life Sciences Industry to support workforce development and champion their contribution to NHS and social care. Embed continuous improvement, promote RDN as a learning organization, and innovate in digital enablement strategies. Build relationships with stakeholders, ensure high-quality Workforce Development, and collaborate on communication strategies. Enable effective RDN delivery, ensuring a positive impact on patients, carers, and the public. Provide reports to leadership, ensuring compliance with governance standards. About us The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). NIHR works in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public. The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth. NIHR is a major funder of applied health research in low and middle-income countries. The whole of England will be supported through 12 NIHR Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs). The RRDNs will work with the national Research Delivery Network Coordinating Centre (RDNCC) to provide a joint RDN leadership function so that the NIHR RDN as a whole functions as a single organisation with a shared vision and purpose across England. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions. Date posted 27 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9298-MDI-0136 Job locations St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Job description Job responsibilities STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Lead on the regional delivery of the RDN Workforce strategy to support the strategic, system-wide development of the research delivery workforce across a broad range of roles, specialties and settings Motivate and inspire teams by being a visible leader and acting as a role model for others Work as a senior member of the national RDN Workforce and Organisational Development team, representing the region at a national level and participating in nationally agreed initiatives Propose key innovative opportunities for increasing research delivery workforce capacity and capability across the RDN Act as an ambassador for the RDN and wider NIHR BUSINESS PLANNING Coordinate engagement with and adherence to annual planning and reporting requirements Input into the development of RRDN business planning and management for other services and functions where there are dependencies on workforce development, organisational development and the people side of inclusion INFORMATION & ADMINISTRATION Develop shared, national systems and processes for gathering robust research delivery workforce intelligence to inform the strategic development of regional workforce planning activities with partners Oversee and manage the coordination of regional and where appropriate, national programmes of learning and development including design, delivery and evaluation Lead and develop the use of Information and Learning Technology to support learning, teaching and assessment across the network and to align with the digital enablement strategy Report on and present complex data with clarity to senior forums including at Board Level OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT Line manage staff members in the Workforce Development function, which will include undertaking staff reviews to identify training and development needs, and establishing how those needs will be met, and managing performance against agreed objectives Ensure adherence to all RDN approaches and frameworks, and employers policies by all staff in the Workforce Development function Provide the link for all courses at a national level and provide advice and guidance to the local facilitators Provide operational oversight and management of regional and, where appropriate, national programmes of work Ensure effective local induction programmes are in place for all RRDN staff Provide highly specialist advice on all aspects of the research process in particular interpreting legislative and regulatory requirements and providing guidance to researchers on fulfilling their obligations Write regional policies and SOPs by interpreting national directives and guidelines for local implementation, and to work with local partners to support the implementation of these where necessary SERVICE IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Actively contribute to the development and delivery of national projects and initiatives to drive national and regional impact Contribute to the development of research leadership that enables a positive One RDN culture and behaviours Understand regional and national research delivery learning and development needs and partner in the development of high-quality learning that is inclusive and meets the needs of a diverse workforce Work as a collegiate partner with colleagues across the Network to ensure consistency of the development opportunities provided to staff, customers and stakeholders PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Manage the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Facilitator Development Programme and ongoing facilitator development, including performance management issues where required Determine capacity of the facilitator community across the RRDN region in conjunction with health and care organisations and advise/guide accordingly Performance manage course facilitators from the RRDN and Delivery Organisations to ensure a standardised approach to logistics for delivering learning and development is implemented Lead in managing performance issues locally as agreed with the Workforce and Organisational Development Directorate (RDNCC) LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY Actively collaborate with the RDN Life Sciences Industry in supporting the development of the research delivery workforce within new sites and increasing capacity and capability to deliver a range of studies Champion RDN Life Science Industry research and the importance and contribution of industry to NHS and social care within learning and development activities for RDN staff and stakeholders FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Develop business cases/options papers for the RRDN leadership team to inform decisions regarding workforce and organisational development Working with the RRDN Finance team, provide accurate financial analysis for use by the RRDN Leadership team to inform strategic network wide decisions Provide effective management of any financial resources allocated for the successful development & delivery of high-quality, cost-effective learning and development as well as regional and national meetings or events to ensure value for money Proactively manage and review resource allocation, identifying areas of potential cost savings Procure and manage necessary hardware and software required for the design, development and delivery of learning and development, including annual subscriptions and licensing CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Embed a culture of continuous improvement (CI) across the network in support of utilising shared CI methodologies to facilitate a learning organisation that meets measures of organisational maturity Promote the RDN as a learning organisation that uses the knowledge and skills of all members to improve performance and generate helpful and shared outputs and contribute to service improvement programmes Support the engagement from providers of NHS and social-care services, research participants and staff involved in portfolio research and relevant stakeholders in consultations about ways to improve the RDN service Ensure national systems and processes for the evaluation of all programmes of learning and development are adhered to, acting where performance falls short of expected standards Seek innovative ways of embedding digital enablement as a key workforce development strategy throughout the RRDN COMMUNICATION & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (NHS AND NON-NHS) Identify, establish and maintain working relationships with the relevant stakeholders and partners e.g. Clinical Trials Units, RSSs, Trust and regional R&D Directorates, commissioning bodies, patients, carers and the public and other relevant groups/individuals Work closely with staff and stakeholders, both within and outside the RRDN Host Organisation, to ensure a high-quality Workforce Development function that meets the needs of its customers. This will include working with learning and development teams, subject matter experts (i.e researchers, health and care providers, life sciences, etc), and liaison with external providers where appropriate Act as the main point of contact for all queries regarding the regional Workforce Development function Collaborate with NIHR infrastructure colleagues regionally and nationally to support a One NIHR approach to workforce development Work closely with regional and national communications teams to ensure learning and development opportunities are shared across a range of channels to engage new and existing groups Ensure local engagement of NHS organisations with the Workforce Development strategy of the RDN ENSURING PATIENT, CARER AND PUBLIC INFORM AND INFLUENCE DELIVERY OF RDN STRATEGY Demonstrate understanding of the regional participant, carer and public impact on the research landscape Through the provision of high quality learning, development and inclusion programmes and initiatives, enable the efficient and effective delivery of RDN services and functions, resulting in a positive impact on patients, carers and the public CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Support corporate governance through the provision of regular and ad hoc reports to the RRDN leadership team and Boards as required KEY RESULT AREAS Autonomously manage and deliver the Workforce Development function with specific responsibility for programmes of learning and development, organisational development initiatives, a programme of continuous improvement embedded across the regional service, as well as key workforce inclusion activities Manage arrangements for exceptional circumstances where a standardised approach is not workable, to minimise the impact on learner experience and course aims SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES Lead on equality, diversity and inclusion as it relates to our people, working with host organisations and the NIHR Inclusion team to ensure a systemic approach to embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the network Coordinate expert advice and guidance on research governance requirements and related regulations to guide safe and appropriate training development and delivery. This includes being accountable for maintaining high quality local delivery of the NIHR Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Education suite of training courses Job description Job responsibilities STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Lead on the regional delivery of the RDN Workforce strategy to support the strategic, system-wide development of the research delivery workforce across a broad range of roles, specialties and settings Motivate and inspire teams by being a visible leader and acting as a role model for others Work as a senior member of the national RDN Workforce and Organisational Development team, representing the region at a national level and participating in nationally agreed initiatives Propose key innovative opportunities for increasing research delivery workforce capacity and capability across the RDN Act as an ambassador for the RDN and wider NIHR BUSINESS PLANNING Coordinate engagement with and adherence to annual planning and reporting requirements Input into the development of RRDN business planning and management for other services and functions where there are dependencies on workforce development, organisational development and the people side of inclusion INFORMATION & ADMINISTRATION Develop shared, national systems and processes for gathering robust research delivery workforce intelligence to inform the strategic development of regional workforce planning activities with partners Oversee and manage the coordination of regional and where appropriate, national programmes of learning and development including design, delivery and evaluation Lead and develop the use of Information and Learning Technology to support learning, teaching and assessment across the network and to align with the digital enablement strategy Report on and present complex data with clarity to senior forums including at Board Level OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT Line manage staff members in the Workforce Development function, which will include undertaking staff reviews to identify training and development needs, and establishing how those needs will be met, and managing performance against agreed objectives Ensure adherence to all RDN approaches and frameworks, and employers policies by all staff in the Workforce Development function Provide the link for all courses at a national level and provide advice and guidance to the local facilitators Provide operational oversight and management of regional and, where appropriate, national programmes of work Ensure effective local induction programmes are in place for all RRDN staff Provide highly specialist advice on all aspects of the research process in particular interpreting legislative and regulatory requirements and providing guidance to researchers on fulfilling their obligations Write regional policies and SOPs by interpreting national directives and guidelines for local implementation, and to work with local partners to support the implementation of these where necessary SERVICE IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Actively contribute to the development and delivery of national projects and initiatives to drive national and regional impact Contribute to the development of research leadership that enables a positive One RDN culture and behaviours Understand regional and national research delivery learning and development needs and partner in the development of high-quality learning that is inclusive and meets the needs of a diverse workforce Work as a collegiate partner with colleagues across the Network to ensure consistency of the development opportunities provided to staff, customers and stakeholders PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Manage the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Facilitator Development Programme and ongoing facilitator development, including performance management issues where required Determine capacity of the facilitator community across the RRDN region in conjunction with health and care organisations and advise/guide accordingly Performance manage course facilitators from the RRDN and Delivery Organisations to ensure a standardised approach to logistics for delivering learning and development is implemented Lead in managing performance issues locally as agreed with the Workforce and Organisational Development Directorate (RDNCC) LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY Actively collaborate with the RDN Life Sciences Industry in supporting the development of the research delivery workforce within new sites and increasing capacity and capability to deliver a range of studies Champion RDN Life Science Industry research and the importance and contribution of industry to NHS and social care within learning and development activities for RDN staff and stakeholders FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Develop business cases/options papers for the RRDN leadership team to inform decisions regarding workforce and organisational development Working with the RRDN Finance team, provide accurate financial analysis for use by the RRDN Leadership team to inform strategic network wide decisions Provide effective management of any financial resources allocated for the successful development & delivery of high-quality, cost-effective learning and development as well as regional and national meetings or events to ensure value for money Proactively manage and review resource allocation, identifying areas of potential cost savings Procure and manage necessary hardware and software required for the design, development and delivery of learning and development, including annual subscriptions and licensing CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Embed a culture of continuous improvement (CI) across the network in support of utilising shared CI methodologies to facilitate a learning organisation that meets measures of organisational maturity Promote the RDN as a learning organisation that uses the knowledge and skills of all members to improve performance and generate helpful and shared outputs and contribute to service improvement programmes Support the engagement from providers of NHS and social-care services, research participants and staff involved in portfolio research and relevant stakeholders in consultations about ways to improve the RDN service Ensure national systems and processes for the evaluation of all programmes of learning and development are adhered to, acting where performance falls short of expected standards Seek innovative ways of embedding digital enablement as a key workforce development strategy throughout the RRDN COMMUNICATION & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (NHS AND NON-NHS) Identify, establish and maintain working relationships with the relevant stakeholders and partners e.g. Clinical Trials Units, RSSs, Trust and regional R&D Directorates, commissioning bodies, patients, carers and the public and other relevant groups/individuals Work closely with staff and stakeholders, both within and outside the RRDN Host Organisation, to ensure a high-quality Workforce Development function that meets the needs of its customers. This will include working with learning and development teams, subject matter experts (i.e researchers, health and care providers, life sciences, etc), and liaison with external providers where appropriate Act as the main point of contact for all queries regarding the regional Workforce Development function Collaborate with NIHR infrastructure colleagues regionally and nationally to support a One NIHR approach to workforce development Work closely with regional and national communications teams to ensure learning and development opportunities are shared across a range of channels to engage new and existing groups Ensure local engagement of NHS organisations with the Workforce Development strategy of the RDN ENSURING PATIENT, CARER AND PUBLIC INFORM AND INFLUENCE DELIVERY OF RDN STRATEGY Demonstrate understanding of the regional participant, carer and public impact on the research landscape Through the provision of high quality learning, development and inclusion programmes and initiatives, enable the efficient and effective delivery of RDN services and functions, resulting in a positive impact on patients, carers and the public CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Support corporate governance through the provision of regular and ad hoc reports to the RRDN leadership team and Boards as required KEY RESULT AREAS Autonomously manage and deliver the Workforce Development function with specific responsibility for programmes of learning and development, organisational development initiatives, a programme of continuous improvement embedded across the regional service, as well as key workforce inclusion activities Manage arrangements for exceptional circumstances where a standardised approach is not workable, to minimise the impact on learner experience and course aims SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES Lead on equality, diversity and inclusion as it relates to our people, working with host organisations and the NIHR Inclusion team to ensure a systemic approach to embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the network Coordinate expert advice and guidance on research governance requirements and related regulations to guide safe and appropriate training development and delivery. This includes being accountable for maintaining high quality local delivery of the NIHR Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Education suite of training courses Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of leadership in organisational development or workforce development Experience of working in a research environment (NHS, University, Industry) Experience of designing, delivering and evaluating effective learning interventions Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance and related regulations Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies Skills & behaviours Essential High level of communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organisational and planning skills Ability to work under pressure balancing conflicting workloads Ability to work independently with initiative and maintain confidentiality Ability to work collaboratively across organisations and geographically dispersed teams Effective presentation skills Other Criteria Essential Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications, Google Workspace applications and MS Office applications Enthusiastic and highly motivated, with the ability to motivate and inspire others An assertive leader in their field, with the ability to challenge and influence others Respectful of others Professional manner Resilient and calm under pressure Team player Commitment to learning and a growth mindset Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Desirable Recognised teaching qualification Specialist health and care research training Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of leadership in organisational development or workforce development Experience of working in a research environment (NHS, University, Industry) Experience of designing, delivering and evaluating effective learning interventions Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance and related regulations Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies Skills & behaviours Essential High level of communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organisational and planning skills Ability to work under pressure balancing conflicting workloads Ability to work independently with initiative and maintain confidentiality Ability to work collaboratively across organisations and geographically dispersed teams Effective presentation skills Other Criteria Essential Good IT skills, particularly in use of Web applications, Google Workspace applications and MS Office applications Enthusiastic and highly motivated, with the ability to motivate and inspire others An assertive leader in their field, with the ability to challenge and influence others Respectful of others Professional manner Resilient and calm under pressure Team player Commitment to learning and a growth mindset Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent experience Evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Desirable Recognised teaching qualification Specialist health and care research training Employer details Employer name Leeds Teaching Hospitals Address St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)