(UK Sponsorship available) Governance Facilitator

Job Description

Job Summary

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Sponsorship Governance Facilitator to join the Research & Innovation Office. This role is ideal for someone with experience in clinical research management who wants to move into research governance.

You will provide advice and regulatory support to researchers across the full lifecycle of studies — from grant application, sponsorship approval, and study initiation to delivery, reporting, and close-out. You will ensure compliance with sponsor obligations, research governance standards, and relevant UK legislation, while working with investigators, project managers, internal teams, and external partners.

The study portfolio will include CTIMPs, device and surgical trials, interventional studies, observational research, qualitative studies, and projects involving human tissue or data. You will work independently, managing and prioritising a varied workload.

Main Duties

Governance & Regulatory Support

Act as the sponsorship lead for a portfolio of Trust research studies.

Advise investigators on Christie sponsorship requirements and ensure appropriate study costings.

Support investigators with regulatory submissions (HRA, MHRA, REC, CAG, site-level approvals).

Review study documentation to ensure compliance with regulations, data management standards, and sponsor obligations.

Liaise with the contracts team to review and advise on contracts, agreements, and vendor responsibilities.

Conduct sponsor review of study amendments and oversee their implementation.

Contribute to the development and compliance of sponsorship SOPs.

Support audit, monitoring, and external inspections, coordinating remedial and corrective actions.

Study Oversight

Ensure sponsor processes are implemented during set-up, approvals, regulatory reporting, closure, and publication.

Provide oversight of Trial Management Groups, Steering Committees, and vendor responsibilities.

Monitor study progress and escalate risks or issues where necessary.

Review progress reports and address findings from monitoring or audits.

Information & Records Management

Maintain accurate sponsor records and decision logs for the duration of each study.

Operate and update sponsor information systems, trackers, and planning tools.

Finance

Support study budget oversight with the R&I finance team.

Ensure timely reconciliation of study budgets at closure.

Communication

Engage with investigators, collaborators, clinical research staff, and external partners.

Provide guidance on NIHR, HRA, MHRA, and Trust processes.

Respond to research-related queries clearly and efficiently.

Communicate decisions and updates effectively across departments and stakeholders.

Leadership & HR

Provide leadership on sponsorship matters and escalate issues to the Sponsorship Manager as needed.

Contribute to recruitment, supervision, and mentoring of R&I staff.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential: Postgraduate diploma in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience.

Desirable: Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience

Essential:

Experience working in a clinical research environment.

Writing procedural or participant documentation.

Working to deadlines.

Desirable:

Using spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office tools.

Advanced computer literacy and ability to adapt to new systems.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential:

Strong understanding of NHS research governance and sponsorship responsibilities.

Knowledge of relevant UK legislation and regulatory requirements.

Ability to analyze complex information and identify risks.

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Desirable:

Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Understanding of clinical trial protocols and data management systems.

Awareness of international research practices.

Other

Able to work independently and across teams.

Detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable.

A motivated team player with a positive attitude.

About The Christie

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients each year. Based in Manchester, it serves 3.2 million people locally and many more nationally. The Trust is internationally recognised for cancer research, running over 300 clinical trials annually, and is home to one of Europe’s largest early clinical trials units.

Additional Information

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applications are welcome from candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Overseas applicants may need to provide a criminal record certificate from previous countries of residence.