Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Research Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

This is a senior, part-time leadership role focused on ensuring that patients, families, and the public shape how research is designed and delivered within a specialist paediatric clinical research environment.

Working inside a purpose-built research facility, the PPIE Manager will lead delivery of a five-year involvement strategy — embedding meaningful participation into research planning, governance, and communication. You’ll act as a champion for inclusive engagement, ensuring children, young people, and families have a voice in studies that affect them.

The facility supports early-phase and experimental medicine research in collaboration with academic partners such as UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead implementation of the Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement strategy
• Facilitate meaningful participation of children, young people, and families in research activities
• Coordinate engagement forums, workshops, and co-production initiatives
• Strengthen communication between research teams and patient communities
• Raise awareness and understanding of early-phase paediatric research
• Support governance and risk management related to public involvement
• Provide leadership input to the Clinical Research Facility management team
• Develop partnerships with community and stakeholder organisations
• The role blends strategy, facilitation, and relationship-building to create research environments where patient perspectives are central.

Who This Role Suits

This post is ideal for a professional who:

• Has proven experience leading PPIE or public engagement programmes
• Works confidently with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Understands healthcare or research governance
• Can manage projects independently while collaborating across departments
• Is passionate about inclusive and ethical research practice

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should hold:

• Degree or equivalent professional experience
• Advanced knowledge or experience in public involvement or engagement
• Demonstrable safeguarding awareness
• Strong understanding of equality and inclusion principles

Core Experience & Skills

• Leading and facilitating engagement meetings and focus groups
• Project and stakeholder management
• Communication with clinical, academic, and public audiences
• Analytical thinking and strategic reporting
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Digital facilitation skills (e.g., Teams/Zoom)
• Commitment to inclusive practice
• Desirable experience includes research governance familiarity, budget oversight, grant collaboration, or supervision of volunteers.

Workplace Culture

The organisation values inclusive practice and representation, encouraging diverse perspectives to strengthen patient-centred research. Staff networks and leadership support help maintain a collaborative environment where all voices are respected.

Professional & Legal Requirements

Because this role involves work with children and vulnerable individuals, employment is subject to safeguarding clearance via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Helpful UK Government Resources

• Public involvement in health research guidance
•  Safeguarding children and vulnerable people
•  DBS background checks explained
•  Equality and diversity in employment
•  Skilled Worker visa guidance

Why Consider This Role

Leadership role shaping patient-centred research
Work in a specialist paediatric research environment
Strategic and operational project ownership
Opportunities for partnership building
Flexible part-time permanent position