The National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) is funded by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) to enable the health & care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England.
The RDN consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) - each hosted by a different organisation. South London Regional Research Delivery Network, for example, is hosted by Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
The RRDN South London Head of Strategy, Engagement & Inclusion is a key leadership role within the RDN. The position drives the strategic development of the South London Regional Research Delivery Network, leading on stakeholder engagement, business planning & communications, in addition to overseeing engagement and inclusion initiatives to increase participation in research.
Research inclusion is key to ensuring findings are generalisable, reproducible and benefit all members of society. Ensuring underserved communities take part in health & care research contributes to the wider mission of reducing the burden on our NHS and social care.

In addition, commercial companies need & push for diversity in the participant pool. Strong research inclusion practices & expertise are part of what helps to bring cutting-edge industry trials to the UK - improving the health & wealth of the nation.

• Lead the regional delivery of national NIHR and RDN engagement services to increase and broaden participation in research and enhance effective delivery of studies
• Embed a consistent approach to inclusion throughout the RDN services, that aligns with the NIHR Research Inclusion strategy
• Seek new and innovative ways to increase research capacity and capability through stakeholder engagement and horizon scanning
• Provide management of the regional delivery of RDN and NIHR strategies for communication and reputation management
• Provide senior leadership and strategic oversight within the RRDN team

From October 2024, the current NIHR Clinical Research Network will be changing to become the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN). The RDN will build on the successes of the CRN in supporting the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health and care system in England for the benefit of patients, the health and care system and the economy. The RDN will support:
Clinical trials and other well-designed health and social care research studies (including studies that are delivered outside of an NHS setting);

Public health studies that require the recruitment of individuals within an NHS setting (that is, acute, ambulance, mental health, community or primary care) or an episode of care which involves contact with the NHS.

• Report on and present complex data with clarity to senior forums including at Board Level
• Actively collaborate with the RDN Life Sciences teams and Study Support Service to promote new RDN research sites and those with increased capacity to stakeholders and customers
• Ensure adherence to all RDN approaches and frameworks, and employers policies by all staff in the domains this role oversees
• Work with the Head of Partner Liaison and Planning to ensure strategic and operational oversight of the functions of the RRDN
• Lead and coordinate continuous improvement engagement across the RRDN and ensure outputs and successes are shared across RDN
• Oversight of Public Engagement ring fenced budget and associated reporting, ensuring that spend ia aligned to budgetary planning and allocations
• Coordinate communications and public engagement activities within the RRDN, providing line management and developmental support to the team as needed
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the needs of regional research participants, carers and public and ensure the research landscape evolves to meet those needs
• Ensure that strategic planning includes a broad group of stakeholders, prioritising patient participant inclusion

Please refer the Job description for details