Clinical Research Practitioner

Main area: Trust Research & Development

Grade: NHS AfC: Band 5

Contract: Fixed term: 12 months (Likely extension based on Compass contract renewal)

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (occasional work until 8pm with time off in lieu)

Job ref: 334-CLI-

Site: Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation (CMHRI)

Town: London

Salary: £35,964 - £43,780 per annum inc of HCA

Salary period: Yearly

Closing: 24/02/:59

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We deliver specialist services in the London boroughs of Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Wandsworth and Richmond.

We are committed to providing high quality and specialist care to our service users and we are recognised for the care and treatment we provide. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good'.

We launched our five-year strategy, Aiming High; Changing Lives in 2021 together with Our Care Improvement System as our quality management system methodology to make a positive impact on patient care, outcomes and staff experience. By joining SLaM, all staff will get the opportunity to be part of this exciting improvement journey supported with learning and development to harness everyone's potential as change makers.

The trust recognises the unique and valuable contribution that people with lived experience of mental illness can bring to a role. We therefore welcome applications from people with lived experience and consider them as an asset to the Trust.

Our Values

We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values and our promise to be caring, kind, polite, prompt, honest, listen and do what I say I'm going to do is at the heart of everything we do. When you join us, you'll be part of something special.

As a Trust we are happy to talk flexible working.

Job overview

A unique opportunity has come up at our new Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation (CMHRI) to work on clinical trials as a Clinical Research Practitioner.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), is working in collaboration with Kings College London and COMPASS Pathways, a mental health care company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health.

This pioneering collaboration will provide patient access to cutting edge research studies within the newly developed Clinical Research Unit at 5 Windsor Walk.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will be responsible for a range of clinical, administrative, and supportive tasks essential for the smooth running of research activities. This includes performing clinical procedures, participant recruitment, data management, and maintaining the clinic environment to ensure safety and efficiency.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Procedures:

• Conduct electrocardiograms (ECGs) following standard protocols.
• Monitor and record patient vitals, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct urinalysis tests as per research study requirements.

Participant Recruitment and Phone Screenings:

• Conduct phone screenings to assess potential participants' eligibility for research studies.
• Explain study protocols, procedures, and requirements to prospective participants during phone screenings.
• Recruit eligible participants, scheduling them for clinic visits and ensuring they receive necessary study information.

Data Management:

• Accurately enter research data into electronic data capture systems.
• Resolve data queries promptly, liaising with relevant teams to ensure data integrity.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.

Clinic Maintenance and Upkeep:

• Ensure the clinic area is well-maintained, clean, and organized.
• Conduct regular stock checks and replenish clinical supplies as needed.
• Perform safety checks in the clinic environment, ensuring all equipment is functioning properly and reporting any issues.

Patient and Participant Support:

• Provide a high standard of care to research participants, ensuring their safety and comfort.
• Educate participants about the procedures and protocols of the research study.
• Address participant queries and concerns, escalating complex issues to senior staff as necessary.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Adhere to all relevant clinical governance, research governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, including audits and inspections.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of research projects.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of clinical research processes.

Person specification Qualifications

• Evidence of continuous personal and professional development

Experience

• Strong organisational and data management skills
• Understanding of clinical research processes and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Previous experience in a research environment
• Experience in handling biological blood samples
• Experience in participant recruitment and conducting phone screenings

The Trust is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics.

Please note:

• That all applications for this post will need to be made online.
• That you read and understand the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role. Your Statement in Support should reflect the requirements specified as your application will be judged against these criteria.
• That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible.
• That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3rd party e-recruitment system.
• That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not been successful.
• That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees.
• That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process.
• That we are a smoke-free Trust.

SLaM is a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.