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The Associate Director of RD&I is responsible for all aspects of RD&I activity, including performance management, development and delivery of the RD&I strategy, stakeholder liaison and internal and external communications.

As a senior leader within the organisation the post-holder will be a part of the Trust Senior Leadership Team (SLT) involved in or brief on strategic and operational developments where a research or innovation element is required.  This will include but not be limited to workforce planning, service redesign, bids for external funding and product development.

This role leads the operational and strategic delivery of research and innovation for the Trust.  Acting as an expert advisor to the executive team and developing the strategic direction for the Trust reflecting the national and regional context.  Representing the Trust at a regional and national level, the post-holder will work with the Medical Director, and other Directors, to promote the activities and interests of the Trust and involve the Trust in any relevant initiatives that add value to patient experience, service delivery and the current strategic objectives of The Royal Surrey County NHS FT.

The post holder will work in partnership with the Professional Director of R&D to ensure high level performance and the effective management of R&D activity, as well as local R&D strategy development. The post holder will be expected to deputise at local and national research meetings with the NIHR RDN and other key stakeholders where they will represent the interests of the Trust. The role encompasses all aspects of non-commercial and commercial (contract) research and the exploitation of Intellectual Property within NHS, for the benefits of improved patient care and income generation.

The post holder will provide expert advice and support to researchers, NHS staff and other interested parties. There is a requirement to ensure that all research is accounted for, subject to full cost recovery and sound contractual agreements. All Intellectual Property (IP rights, patenting and licensing) generated within the Trust via the Innovation pathway must be protected and licences negotiated to ensure exploitation for the benefits of patients and the Trust. 

The post-holder will manage a budget that is generated through activity and work with the Trust Finance team and Research Grants and Finance Administrator to forecast income as accurately as possible and develop investment plans to meet the growing demands of the service.  They will manage the departmental finances transparently and in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions.

As an acute and specialist Trust within the Surrey Heartlands footprint, the post-holder will ensure Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is a strong and consistent partner, leading and being part of strategic alliances to strengthen the health and wealth of the region through research and innovation.

Working at the most senior level with partner organisations and higher education institutions the post-holder will lead discussions on joint working and maintain an awareness of the wider political context to inform internal and external developments. Where appropriate developing relationships and potentially holding honorary positions in local Universities.

We have an excellent relationship with the NIHR RRRDN for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, hosted by RSCH.  Many of the regional specialty leads are based at RSCH.  In addition to delivering portfolio studies we also work closely with industry and recruit to a wide range of commercial studies.
Excellence in clinical research is a key priority for RSCH and an important enabler for the achievement of excellence and realisation of the Trust’s strategic objectives.  The research strategy (2018-2023) describes how well designed and funded, inclusive, patient-focussed research will make a key contribution to the development and delivery of clinical services over the next five years and establishes an ambition for the future of clinical research at the Trust.

There are longstanding connections with the University of Surrey which is adjacent to RSCH and a wealth of collaborations including studies running between the organisations, academics with joint appointments and close working with the University’s Research Integrity Governance and Innovation Office (RIGO).  There is an excellent accredited South East NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as an early-phase (1 and 2a) centre at Trust and University. We have also recently been recognised by the General Medical Council to open University of Surrey Medical School from September 2024 hosted by University and Royal Surrey (hub NHS Trust)