27th July 2016
Job opportunity: Head of Research & Innovation – NHS England
Head of Research & Innovation
Job Reference: 990-NHSE5569C
Employer: NHS England
Location: Leeds / London
Salary: £78,629 to £99,437 pa
The Five Year Forward View highlighted the role that science and innovation will play in responding to the challenge that the health service faces. Following merger of three teams into one, we are looking for a Head of the Research & Innovation Unit, which is a team of 12 within the Commissioning Strategy Directorate.
Reporting to the Director of Policy Partnerships & Innovation, the successful applicant will lead this team, which acts as a single focal point for NHS England’s work on research and innovation, and brings together the responsibility to:
- Co-ordinate and explain NHS England’s work on science and innovation, as highlighted in the business plan, bringing together leads responsible for drugs, devices, diagnostics and digital health
- License, fund and manage the accountability relationship with the AHSNs
- Identify, co-ordinate and promote research priorities across the commissioning system
- Manage implementation of the agreed conclusions of the Accelerated Access review
- Work closely with the AHSNs and with national partners to support and promote the adoption of innovative technologies and processes, reduce variation, improve value for money, and deliver better outcomes for patients
- Fulfil NHS England’s legal (and Mandate) duties to promote research and the use of research evidence.
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and experience for the post, including:
- The ability to recruit, organise and motivate a high performing team
- The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, representing NHS England credibly on national issues in both private discussion and public meetings
- The ability to quickly get to grips with partially formed problems, understand what is required and develop pragmatic and effective solutions.
- Awareness and understanding of the potential contribution of innovation to NHS transformation, the commercial implications and the potential contribution towards UK growth
- Strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise and deploy resources effectively, with the ability to conduct and manage several different projects at once, under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Experience of dealing effectively with contentious and sometimes politically sensitive issues in the context of health and social care.
To learn more about the role, contact John Holden, Director of Policy Partnerships & Innovation, before 5th August, c/o joanne.barr@nhs.net.