Research Sponsorship Facilitator

Job Description

Role Overview

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a motivated and detail‑focused Research Sponsorship Facilitator to join our Research & Development (R&D) team. This role is central to supporting Trust‑sponsored (“home‑grown”) research, ensuring studies are developed, approved, delivered, and closed in line with national research governance standards.

You will work closely with clinicians, academics, and external partners to provide practical sponsorship support across the full research lifecycle. By enabling high‑quality research, you will directly contribute to improving patient care, service design, and evidence‑based practice across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This is an autonomous, collaborative role suited to someone with strong NHS research experience, excellent organisational skills, and a clear understanding of UK research governance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Portfolio Management

Maintain a comprehensive database of all RCHT‑sponsored research studies, ensuring accurate tracking of approvals, milestones, amendments, and study status.

Act as a key point of contact for Trust‑sponsored research, representing the sponsor in internal and external meetings.

Support the Research Governance Manager in coordinating the Sponsor Oversight Committee (SOC), including preparing updates on active and proposed studies.

Researcher Support & Study Development

• Guide researchers through the sponsorship pathway from early concept to study close‑down.
• Signpost researchers to appropriate internal teams, external partners, and national support organisations.
• Advise on funding opportunities and routes to application across multiple funding bodies.

Governance, Compliance & Documentation

Provide hands‑on support with regulatory and governance documentation, including:

• Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) submissions
• Sponsor authorisations
• Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Tool (SoECAT)
• Annual progress repoand end‑of‑study reports
• Prepare and review sponsor documentation to ensure compliance with:
• UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
• ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Medicines and medical device regurts lations, where applicable

Support the processing and classification of substantial and non‑substantial amendments, working closely with study set‑up and governance teams.

Trial Oversight & Information Management

• Ensure Trial Master Files are complete, accurate, and version‑controlled.
• Maintain sponsor email inboxes, managing enquiries, safety alerts, and escalation of issues to senior staff where required.
• Update and manage research databases and spreadsheets in line with national reporting requirements.

Training, Engagement & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain clear sponsor work instructions outlining RCHT sponsorship processes.
• Deliver training sessions and guidance on research sponsorship and governance for individuals and groups.
• Work with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) groups to ensure meaningful community involvement in Trust‑sponsored research.

About the Organisation

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the main provider of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, serving a population of approximately 500,000, which increases significantly during peak visitor seasons.

The Trust employs around 6,700 staff and operates with an annual budget of approximately £580 million. RCHT is a teaching hospital, working in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Peninsula Dental School.

Based at the Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site, RCHT has a growing national reputation for research, innovation, and clinical academic development. The Trust is committed to expanding locally delivered research that improves outcomes for patients and communities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification
• ICH‑GCP certification (or willingness to complete training)
• ECDL or equivalent IT qualification

Desirable

• Professional qualification including research methods
• Experience in questionnaire or survey design

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in clinical research
• Knowledge of NHS research processes and governance
• Experience reviewing research protocols
• Understanding of the research sponsorship pathway
• Experience handling complex data and producing written reports

Desirable

• Experience using research databases (e.g. EDGE)
• Grant writing experience
• Experience working within the NHS
• Experience chairing or supporting meetings

Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Clear and confident communication with multidisciplinary teams
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team

Desirable

• Ability to train others in IT or research systems
• Knowledge of NHS clinical information systems (e.g. PAS)
• Familiarity with publication and dissemination of research findings

Pre‑Employment Checks & Sponsorship

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered in line with UK Visas and Immigration requirements.