Clinical Nurse Specialist – Deputy Research Facilitator
NHS AfC: Band 7
Main area Research & Innovation Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (part of a secondment opportunity) Hours
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
7.5 hours per week Job ref 253-0626-8016273
Site The Dudley Group NHS FT Town Dudley Salary £49,387 – £56,515 pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 02/07/2026 23:59
Job overview
To assist the CNS Lead Research Facilitator to increase research engagement of Clinical Nurse Specialists across the Black Country region.
The post holder will assist in the coordination of a Black Country Clinical Nurse Specialist‑Led Research Model to promote a research culture and increase involvement. The post will provide:
- Clinical and research leadership support
- Increase CNS research involvement across organisations
- Facilitating research support, education/training sessions for Clinical Nurse Specialists.
- Undertake project scoping activities and data collection, identifying key stakeholders, to support project development and improvement initiatives.
- Assist with developing a framework/toolkit to enable CNSs to become involved in research.
- Explore different models to evaluate the impact and outputs from the programme.
- Assist with completing a final detailed report for the funding body and research organisations, on completion of the term of the post.
- Present the overall findings of the final report.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support leadership and strategic development of clinical research activity across the Black Country, providing advice to Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) and acting as a key liaison between clinical teams, Research & Innovation departments, and study investigators. They will contribute to the development of research strategies, service improvement plans, and regional programmes, while representing the Trusts in relevant forums and supporting the coordination of research working groups and staff champion initiatives. The role includes ensuring awareness of research governance requirements, supporting compliance, and acting as an escalation point for research‑related issues. The post holder will also identify and promote suitable research opportunities, contribute to senior research meetings, and foster a positive research culture among CNS teams. Responsibilities further include preparing reports for senior management and relevant networks, while upholding organisational values of care, respect, and responsibility. Additional duties may be required in line with the level of responsibility, and the role will be reviewed as service needs evolve.
Leadership & Strategic Development
- Provide advice and support for Clinical Nurse Specialist’s involvement in research across the Black Country.
- Act as a key liaison between clinical teams, Research Departments and Principal/Chief Investigators.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of research strategies and service improvement plans.
- Represent the Black Country Trusts at appropriate local and national research forums.
- Contribute to regional research programmes e.g. West Midlands Commercial Research Delivery Centre (WMCRDC).
- Co‑ordinate and maintain a Clinical Nurse Specialist Research Working Group set up across the Black Country Trusts.
- Lead staff Research Champion Groups, as required.
Research Governance & Compliance
Awareness of research governance and liaise with the R&I Governance Team as required.
Clinical & Operational Delivery
- Act as an escalation point for Clinical Nurse Specialist’s clinical research‑related issues.
- Contribute to Research department Senior Team meetings/forums as required.
- Search for appropriate studies for Clinical Nurse Specialist’s involvement; liaise with Research & Innovation teams to engage with existing studies.
Team Management & Development
- Promote a culture of research within the Clinical Nurse Specialist’s staff group across the Black Country region.
Quality Assurance & Reporting
- Prepare reports for senior management, Trust committees and Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).
Organisational Values
The post holder will:
- Care: Listen, be respectful and treat others with compassion and kindness.
- Respect: Behave with respect to everyone and encourage an inclusive culture.
- Responsibility: Take responsibility for self and team.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Education
- Educated to degree level (or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge/experience).
- Evidence of continued professional development relevant to research, clinical leadership, or specialist practice.
- Completed Good Clinical Practice training (current and in date).
- Postgraduate qualification (PGCert/PGDip/MSc) in a relevant area (e.g., research, clinical practice, leadership, education).
Communication Skills
- Ability to work within a team.
- Able to lead meetings.
- Skilled in verbal and written communication including presentation skills.
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with clinicians, researchers, and senior managers.
Knowledge and Training
- Leadership or management training.
- Knowledge of political, regional research initiatives.
Experience
- Evidence of working in a senior/CNS role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or equivalent senior clinical role.
- Experience of attending or contributing to senior meetings, committees, or working groups.
- Evidence of leading change at an organisational level or within own specialty.
- Evidence of having developed team working skills and implemented teamwork practices.
- Leading or coordinating projects, service improvements, or quality initiatives.
- Evidence of involvement in research and clinical audit.
- Demonstrated experience in clinical research delivery, including participant assessment, consent, and study procedures.
- Evidence of line management or leading a team.
- Experience working within multi‑site or regional networks.
- Experience producing reports for senior leaders or external stakeholders.
Analytical & Judgement Skills
- Problem‑solving skills with the ability to act as an escalation point for research‑related clinical issues.
- Ability to interpret and monitor performance data, producing clear reports for committees and senior leadership.
- Evidence of using data to formulate improvement plans.
Planning Skills
- Strong organisational, planning, and time‑management skills, including the ability to assist in the management of the programme.
- Experience of service planning and managing change.
- Able to travel across Black Country Trust sites as required.
- Ability to influence research culture across nursing teams.
- Ability to provide support/guidance to the group.
- Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of research delivery across the Black Country Trusts.
- Commitment to promoting a positive research culture and improving patient outcomes through evidence‑based practice.
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet research demands.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a representative workforce. All applications are handled in compliance with public sector equality duties.
Required Registration and Disclosure
You must have appropriate UK professional registration. The postholder will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
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