Research Unit Manager - GM Digital

at  Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The post-holder will take responsibility for the effective management of the GM. Digital Research Unit (GM. Digital RU), which is a collaboration between Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) and The University of Manchester.
The GM. Digital RU focuses on developing and delivering interventions to provide better outcomes for children, young people and adults experiencing mental illness. By using innovative digital technologies, we hope that these tools will become more accessible and acceptable, and that this support will be able to help larger groups of people over the coming years.
The post holder will work across a number of high-profile research projects led by the GM Digital Research Unit. For example, the Enhancing CAMHS referrals project (EN-CAMHS 2) is looking at improving the quality of referrals to CAMHS services. Another project is the Core Mental Health Data Set (CMHDS) project which aims to work with people across Greater Manchester and the UK to understand people’s views about collecting mental health information alongside physical health information. The project aims to co-create a ‘common mental health dataset’ that would collect mental health data in physical health studies, and trial this across multiple physical health studies. The post holder will also work across various other projects and activities within the Digital Research Unit related to digital mental health.
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Research

• Take overall responsibility for the efficient day-to-day management of the GM. Digital RU.
• Work with the Directors to ensure the Unit’s sustainability via grant income from external funding bodies e.g., NIHR, charities etc
• Support the Directors to develop and implement plans for sustainable income generation beyond funding bodies e.g., training, consultancies, and service evaluations
• Oversee and contribute to writing and finalising funding applications for research within the GM. Digital RU
• Act as the primary point of contact for all external and internal agencies
• Oversee and lead on the project management of RU projects and activities, setting timelines and milestone and adhering to reporting processes.
• Ensure all research procedures are conducted according to Research Governance Framework, National Research Ethics Committee (REC), guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Data Protection, including providing assurance that personal and confidential information is restricted to those entitled to know

Policy and Service Development

• Follow professional guidelines and standards, Trust policies, and team procedures, protocols, and guidance in completion of work tasks.

Human Resources

• Undertake line management responsibilities, including appraisals and supervision of researchers, administrators, and volunteers
• Contribute to and ensure completion of induction of new team members including researchers, undergraduate placement students, volunteers, and study administrator
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of RAs
• Ensure adherence to Trust Health & Safety, People and Organisational Development, Research Governance, and other relevant procedures.
• Communicate effectively with service users, carers/relatives, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders
• Ensure sustainability and effective coordination of the Youth Connection Young People’s Advisory Group and Volunteer Digital Navigators Programme and other patient and public involvement activities.

Research and Development

• Provide project management of R&D activities
• Contribute to GMMH research governance activities, including scientific appraisal of research applications
• Liaise with the Trusts other Research Units as necessary
• Contribute to the coordination of research activities within GMMH
• Contribute to Research and Development activities of GMMH, including conducting pilot studies, experimental studies, and clinical trials
• Contribute to disseminating research findings

Information Technology and Resources

• Ensure maintenance and safe storage of research records and related documents in line with GDPR and Trust and University Information Governance
• Ensure safe use of equipment, including relevant safety checks in line with Trust policies and procedures
• Undertake quality assurance checks as appropriate
• Liaise with R&I and other relevant teams to ensure staff have access to equipment needed to undertake their roles, including relevant statistical and qualitative software/databases
• Produce regular reports regarding GM.Digital RU activities in line with agreed milestones and performance indicators

Financial and Physical Resources

• Be a responsible authorised signatory for payments as delegated e.g., for equipment, travel expenses and training. This can also include significant payments for recharges to other institutions such as Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and other NHS Trusts
• Manage and monitor project spending including regular meetings with the designated GMMH Research Finance Manager, HEI and NIHR Research Finance Managers when necessary
• Observe personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources at work
• Provide cover for management of petty cash float system for the department
• Produce accurate and timely costings for the GM.Digital RU, including effective management of related grants, contracts, payment schedules, invoices etc.

Trust Mandatory On-going Requirements - to be met by the candidate after commencing in post, these will not be assessed at the recruitment stage

• To understand and comply with all Trust policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines
• To understand the Trust’s Strategic Goals and how you can support them
• To understand the need to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and adhere to all principles in effective safeguarding.
• To carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Equal Opportunities, Equality and Diversity and dignity in care/work policies and principles
• To avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with the colleagues, services users, members of the public and all stakeholders
• To access only information, whether paper, electronic, or, in another format, which is authorised to you as part of the duties of your role.

Please refer the Job description for details