Matron Research & Innovation(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Lead Research Nursing at the Forefront of Paediatric Innovation
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and visionary paediatric research nurse to step into a senior leadership role as Research & Innovation Matron.
At Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, research is embedded into clinical care. As one of Europe’s leading children’s research hospitals, we are pioneering new treatments for rare and complex childhood diseases, supported by the NIHR-funded Biomedical Research Centre.
In 2024, we opened a purpose-built, state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility designed to enhance the experience of children and families participating in early-phase and experimental research. This role is central to ensuring that research nursing services within this facility operate safely, effectively, and compassionately.
The Purpose of This Role
As Research & Innovation Matron, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across senior research nursing teams
- Oversee early phase and Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) trials
- Ensure high standards of governance, quality, and compliance
- Deliver safe, family-centred research care
- Support workforce development and service sustainability
You will work closely with the Associate Chief Nurse for Research & Innovation and collaborate with Advanced Clinical Practice Research Nurses and Clinical Research Facility leadership.
Your Core Responsibilities
 Clinical & Research Leadership
- Lead delivery of early-phase and IMP clinical trials
- Maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards
- Ensure robust safeguarding and risk management frameworks
- Oversee complaints, incidents, and learning implementation
 Governance & Quality
- Embed strong clinical governance systems
- Lead audit, benchmarking, and quality improvement initiatives
- Contribute to business planning and financial oversight
- Align services with national research and nursing strategies
- Clinical governance framework
 Workforce & Operational Management
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary research nursing teams
- Drive workforce redesign and staff retention strategies
- Manage professional conduct, appraisal, and performance
- Support NMC revalidation processes
- NMC professional standards and revalidation
 Child & Family Experience
- Ensure research delivery remains child- and family-centred
- Promote compassionate, inclusive practice
- Manage complex safeguarding situations confidently
- Safeguarding guidance
Essential Requirements
You must demonstrate:
- Registered Children’s Nurse with valid NMC registration
- Relevant healthcare degree
- Substantial senior-level experience in early-phase and IMP paediatric trials
- Significant leadership and line management experience
- Financial and operational management capability
- Experience managing governance, audit, complaints, and incidents
- Strong knowledge of national health and nursing agendas
- Good Clinical Practice certification
Applicants must meet UK professional registration requirements and will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance:
Desirable Experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent senior experience
- Advanced Life Support (APLS/EPLS)
- Experience in service development and business planning
- Mentorship, coaching, and clinical supervision skills
Working Pattern
Core hours: 08:00–18:00
Occasional early evenings, weekends, or night work may be required depending on trial demands.
Inclusion & Equality
At Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Recruitment is based on merit, fairness, and transparency.
We actively encourage applications from:
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
- Disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions
- LGBT+ professionals
The Trust is recognised as:
- A Disability Confident Employer
- A member of the Business Disability Forum
- A Stonewall Diversity Champion
- Employee-led staff networks support inclusion and contribute to shaping organisational culture.
- Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and assessed in accordance with UKVI guidance
Why Join Us?
- Leadership role within a nationally recognised paediatric research centre
- Opportunity to shape the future of early-phase research delivery
- Purpose-built, cutting-edge Clinical Research Facility
- Strong executive-level support for research innovation
- Direct impact on children with rare and life-limiting conditions
This is a rare opportunity to combine advanced research expertise with senior nursing leadership, influencing both patient outcomes and the future direction of paediatric clinical research.
