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JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Scottish Cancer Research Network (SCRN) Manager
Department(s):
North of Scotland Cancer Network (NOSCAN)
Hours:
30 hours per week
Band:
Band 8a
Salary:
£39,632 – £47,559 per annum pro rata
Contract:
Temporary for a fixed term of 11 months
Job Reference:
OE8924
Closing Date:
Wednesday 10th September, 2014
2. JOB PURPOSE
The Scottish Cancer Research Network was established by the Scottish Executive Health
Department in 2003 and aims to improve the speed, quality, and integration of research,
ultimately resulting in improved patient care. The specific purpose of this post is to
operationally manage and strategically develop the North of Scotland Cancer Research
Network (SCRN), increasing recruitment to cancer clinical trials, manage policy
development, and manage staff and budget resources.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Responsible to the R&D Director but closely linked to the Lead Clinical for Cancer
Research. Key relationships are with:
 National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) Coordinating Centre staff
 Research & Development
 Research staff across the network
 Lead clinicians and research leads
 Industry, academic units and clinical trials units
 NHS Board Cancer Managers, Service Managers, Clinical Directors, Directorates
and MDT members
 North of Scotland Planning Group
 NOSCAN Regional Cancer Advisory Group
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
The SCRN -North includes 6 health boards, three cancer centres and serves a population
of approx 1.2 million. It provides the infrastructure to support the recruitment of cancer
patients into important, large national studies including studies of cancer treatments
involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as screening and prevention
studies for cancer and studies of supportive therapies such as palliative care. Achieving
this requires direct and remote management responsibilities and skills.
Collaborates with the R&D Director and the Lead Clinician for the Research Network to
manage and develop the implementation of a North Scotland research strategy, reflecting
national priorities as well as local initiatives, taking responsibility for making decisions
around the effective and appropriate use of resources.
Manages a combined staffing and general resource budget of £200k per annum
(recurring). Further budget appears non-recurringly and is associated with trials income
which the post holder is responsible for attracting from Health Boards, R&D Depts and
clinical trial sponsors (business management). Of this, staffing accounts for around 90%
of the allocation. Post holder has direct line management responsibility for 10 wte’s (Data
Managers/Analysts, Research Nurses and Admin and Clerical staff) across multiple
Health Boards.
By way of the overall strategy this post is responsible for developing, it encompasses and
is required to influence the practice of other cancer research posts within the
organisation, such that there is a single common vision for cancer research across the
north.
Represent the North of Scotland in terms of national and UK wide cancer research policy
and strategy development.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Network Strategy
Responsible for the strategic development of cancer research within the Cancer
Research Network, in accordance with the objectives of the SCRN and the National
Cancer Plan.
Support the development, implementation and ongoing review of the Scottish Cancer
Research Network strategy, including identification of research priority areas.
Define and develop the infrastructure to support the research strategy, seeking input and
advice from Research Leads, clinical research staff, Board Management and external
organisations as appropriate.
Develop and implement strategies for ensuring the Network achieves national targets,
including patient accrual into clinical trials.
Ensure that all organisations across the Network fully participate in the creation of
policies concerning recruitment of patients, and agree to strategies for the development
of research.
Identify barriers to participation in trials and develop strategies with clinicians, Boards and
others to overcome these barriers and increase trial participation.
Ensure implications of clinical trials on cancer services throughout the Network are
effectively determined and that mechanisms are in place to address issues appropriately.
Maintain working knowledge of current treatments offered to cancer patients locally and
nationally.
Monitor future developments and technologies in cancer treatment with particular regard
to research.
Portfolio Development
Responsible for developing and maintaining a portfolio of NCRN clinical trials that meets
both local and national priorities.
Responsible for reviewing the portfolio on a regular basis to ensure that it is well
balanced and meets the needs of the network populations and interests of the Network
Site Specific Groups and individual clinicians.
Support, where appropriate, the process of obtaining UKCRN approval of local trials and
the development of grant applications.
Ensure that processes are in place associated with setting up a study, in particular,
directorate, multidisciplinary team, Network Site Specific Group, ethical, regulatory and
local Research and Development Departments’ approval for each clinical trial.
Develop information regarding ongoing trials for patients and the public with the relevant
tumour group on behalf of the Network.
Provide a central resource of information about clinical trials for all staff involved in
managing patients in clinical trials and patients.
Develop, implement and maintain an IT system to enable the collection and reporting of
research activity across the Network in relation to local and national targets. Prepare
reports for local and national use as necessary.
Quality Assurance
Maintain a working knowledge of current legislation regarding participation in research
(including EU Directive, Good Clinical Practice, Research Governance and Data
Protection).
Responsible for ensuring that all trials are performed in line with these regulations and
review any developments or changes required as a result of new guidance from NRES,
NCRN and NCRI.
Facilitate education events to ensure staff receive appropriate training with regard to
changing legislation.
Responsible for developing and implementing strategies and systems for quality
assurance, to include: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), audit and review of
Research Units/Teams, providing feedback, development and support as necessary.
Staff Management
Responsible for leading, line and performance managing a multi-professional Research
Network Team based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen and Raigmore Hospital,
Inverness.
Responsible for managing the Research Networks Human Resources agenda including:
selection and recruitment, production of monthly staff returns, approving and recording all
leave entitlement/travel expenses/time owing/statutory training/confirmation of
registration and ensuring policies and procedures are in place.
Responsible for developing and implementing Scottish Cancer Research Networks
training strategy including an induction programme, appraisal system, a Training and
Education SOP and an educational and career development programme (that involves
the utilising of both internal and external training opportunities).
6. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The nature of network management is such that day to day contact with direct reports is
infrequent and requires daily use of email, telephone and videoconference technology to
optimise support and contact.
Use of various software packages (Microsoft) including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and
Access are essential.
7. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder will work with a high degree of autonomy across 6 Health Boards, to
ensure the development of an integrated strategy.
The postholder will be responsible to the Lead Clinician and R&D in terms of final
accountability.
There is also a line of accountability direct to the Scottish Government Health Dept
responsible for the wider Scottish Clinical Research Network (Cancer Strategies Dept,
SGHD)
Work is managed rather than supervised including quarterly reporting to Regional Cancer
Advisory Group, bi-monthly meetings with North of Scotland Lead Clinician for Cancer
Research, annual reporting to Scottish Executive Health Department and annual
performance review.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Assume overall responsibility for communication within the Research Network including
preparation and delivery of presentations, reports and newsletters to Network Research
Team, Regional Cancer Advisory Group, Network Site Specific Groups, Cancer
Managers meetings, Oncology Clinical Trial Strategy Meetings and Scottish Executive
Meetings detailing the work of the Network, including local and national cancer trials,
initiatives and recruitment.
Work closely with the NCRN Coordinating Centre, other cancer research networks and
represent Scottish Cancer Research Network at a national level.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with: Clinical
Lead for Research, research staff across the Network, the NCRN co-ordinating centre,
Cancer Network Management Team, Network Site Specific/Generic Groups, Research
Steering Group, Lead Clinicians, Research Leads, Cancer Managers, Service Managers,
Clinical Directors, Directorates, MDT members, Ethics Committees, Research and
Development Departments, NCRI Clinical Studies Groups, industry, academic units,
clinical trials units and individual multi professional researchers across the UK to drive the
strategic development of NCRI approved cancer research across the Network.
Ensure that the activities of the Research Network are closely integrated with the North of
Scotland Cancer Network (NOSCAN).
Co-ordinate research staff representation at Network Site Specific/Generic Group
meetings to ensure that accurate information and appropriate advice is given.
Provide expert advice and support to staff and external research partners on all aspects
of conducting clinical trials in the NHS.
Represent and promote the work of the Research Network at regional, national and
international events via articles, workshops, posters and presentations.
Disseminate publications and information material on local, National and International
developments across the Network.
Coordinate and advise on the implementation of National policies and guidelines.
Develop and maintain web-based systems to promote the work of the Network to health
professionals, patients, relatives and other interested parties.
Responsible for the development of a research culture within all areas of cancer care.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Regional wide travel across the north of Scotland to support out posted staff.
Occasional long days associated with distant travel.
Travel also required throughout the UK to attend national meetings, development days
and
briefing sessions.
Overnight stays away from home may be required occasionally.
Prolonged periods of concentration and usually involving PC equipment.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
The postholder is responsible for leading, in collaboration with the Lead Clinician for
Research, the development of a research strategy for the North of Scotland. This will
require complex, sometimes contentious agreement and decisions around service
development e.g. agreeing the priorities for research and relevant resources, being able
to articulate the strategy to large groups and being able to account for decisions around
competing resource allocations. The postholder is often also required to translate
ambiguous national policy and communicate this in practical terms and implementation of
such ambiguity throughout the service.
Balancing individual clinician views across the north, changing cultural views and
practices and harnessing the wider community of professionals into a common strategic
vision.
11. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Minimum of a first degree or equivalent, plus post graduate qualifications in management,
research, oncology (preferably at Doctorate level) or equivalent experience.
Experience of working at a managerial level including managing, training and motivating
a team of staff.
Experience of interacting with clinical and management colleagues at a senior level
across a range of organisations.
Evidence of inter departmental / cross site / cross organisational working.
Experience of working strategically and translating vision into effective service delivery.
Budgetary and project management experience.
Experience of report writing.
Experience in, the planning, coordination and conducting of clinical trials.
Working knowledge of the issues surrounding data collection, particularly confidentiality.
Understanding of National research policy and current issues in the NHS.
Good working knowledge of the major regulatory issues governing the conduct of clinical
trials together with the ability to disseminate the knowledge and information.
Proficient in all Microsoft Office software (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Internet).
Possesses the highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise required to act as a
role model and credible source of knowledge and specialist advice to staff.
Evidence of continued professional development.
NHS GRAMPIAN
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The Person Specification should meet the demands of the job and comply with current
legislation. Setting unnecessary standards may, for example, unfairly discriminate against one
sex, the disabled or minority racial groups. Applicants should be assessed in relation to their
ability to meet the real requirements of the job as laid down in the job description. Shortlisted
candidates MUST possess all the essential components as detailed below.
POST/GRADE:
Scottish Cancer Research Network Manager / Band 8A
LOCATION/HOSPITALS:
Rosehill Annexe, Foresterhill
WARD/DEPARTMENT:
Research and Development
ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications
ESSENTIAL
Minimum of a first degree or
equivalent, plus post graduate
qualifications in management,
research, oncology (preferably at
Doctorate level) or equivalent
experience.
Experience
Experience of interacting with
clinical and management
colleagues at a senior level across
a range of organisations.
Evidence of inter departmental
/cross site / cross organisational
working.
Experience of working
strategically.
Experience in the planning and
coordination of clinical trials.
Proven project management and
organisational skills.
Demonstrable experience of
working at a managerial level
including managing staff.
Special Aptitude and
Abilities
Excellent communication (oral,
written and presentation) and
interpersonal skills.
DESIRABLE
Evidence of continued
professional development
Computer literacy with the ability to
work with the full range of current
personal computer office products.
High level of accuracy and
attention to detail.
Proven problem solving skills.
Disposition
Specialist knowledge and expertise
required to act as a role model.
Self motivated.
Able to demonstrate initiative and
good judgement.
Diplomacy.
Ability to prioritise own workload
Able to work independently to tight
deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Occasional travel.
Particular
Requirements
of the Post
Knowledge of current research
issues and guidelines.
Knowledge of the issues
surrounding data collection,
particularly confidentiality.
MAJOR RISKS IN DOING THIS JOB
Please indicate the major risks the job holder could face in doing this job e.g. lifting
patients/objects, working with hazardous substances, dealing with violence and aggression.
If there are no major risks for the job holder please tick this box