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Last Updated:
07/10/2015
Research and Innovations Support (RIS)
Research Integrity and Governance Officer
Professional Services
4
Research Liaison Manager
Assistant Research Integrity and Governance Officer
Job Purpose Statement
To provide advice and guidance to staff at the University of Surrey in all matters relating to research
governance including integrity, ethics and regulatory compliance. To support and inform the
development of governance policies to ensure best practice and adherence to changes in the
external environment. The Research Integrity and Governance Officer has line management
responsibility for the Assistant Research Integrity and Governance Officer.
Problem Solving, Accountability and Dimensions of the role
The post holder will act as a central contact point for all staff and students on matters relating to
research practice, research ethics and research governance queries. The post holder must therefore
be able to provide a high level of customer service, utilising their knowledge of the research
governance environment to resolve and problem solve queries in a timely and professional manner.
The post holder will have responsibility for managing their own workload and also providing
guidance to the Assistant Research Integrity and Government Officer on workload priorities.
Although the majority of incoming work will be unplanned, work to support the committees and the
provision of training workshops should be planned for alongside colleagues in Staff Development,
Researcher Development and external providers. The post holder will work within established
processes and procedures, but will be expected to use their skills and knowledge to resolve unusual
or complex problems as they arise. In the event that they are unable to resolve a problem, this will
be escalated to the Research Liaison manager for discussion and agreed resolution.
The Research Integrity and Governance Officer will ensure all sponsorship responsibilities are feasible
and will be the authorised signature of the sponsor on behalf of the University of Surrey for all research
requiring NHS Ethic’s approval. Good document recognition, an understanding of the Integrated
Research Application System (IRAS), and the required governance checks and the ability to provide
advice to staff applying and amending IRAS forms is essential. The post holder will need to use their
knowledge and decision making skills to ensure the University can authorise sponsorship and liaise
with the relevant research teams, support services and if relevant the NHS R&D department to
proactively resolve issues preventing authorisation.
There is scope within the role to contribute to the development of all policies, processes and
guidance relating to research governance across the University of Surrey to ensure compliance with
the principles of the Concordat for Research Integrity. Such activity will require buy-in and
engagement from a range of internal stakeholders (University Ethics Committees, Legal Contracts
Team and Clinical Research Centre) therefore the ability to develop close working relationships
through the use of strong interpersonal and team working skills is essential.
The post holder will also be required to raise the visibility of research governance at the University by
developing materials in line with the Concordat for Research Integrity Action Plan, working closely
with the Research Liaison Manager. Specifically the role holder will contribute to the development
of new training resources, web site content and promotional materials relating to good research
practice, research ethics and regulatory compliance. The post holder will therefore need to possess
strong communication skills along with the ability to convey information in an accessible and userfriendly manner.
As part of the role, the post holder will maintain a strong awareness of the regularly changing policy
and governance environment by working with a range of external stakeholders (UKRIO, HTA, NRES,
AREC). The Research Integrity and Governance Officer will be required to update and alert senior
management to changes which may impact upon University guidance or procedures. The ability to
analyse complex regulatory policy information quickly and accurately, summarising it into digestible
briefs and presentations is vital.
The Research Integrity and Governance Officer will be required to work with Faculty HR Managers
and Academic Registry to formalise the annual research misconduct reporting process, developing
a standardised approach to support transparency and compliance with the Concordat for
Research Integrity. The post holder must prepare an annual statement on cases of misconduct for
publication on the University of Surrey website; therefore an ability to handle information of a
sensitive nature and in a professional manner is essential.
The Research Integrity and Governance Officer will work closely with the Assistant Research Integrity
and Governance Officer, supporting their knowledge development and providing delegated
authority, on occasion, to act on behalf of the post holder.
The post holder will have responsibility for a small budget of approximately £3000 as part of their role
requirements.
Background Information/Relationships
Research and Innovation Support (RIS – part of Research and Enterprise Support – RES) comprises
around 40 staff and is responsible for providing specialist support services to develop the
University’s research income, to ensure compliance with research governance legislation, and to
provide programme and project management support to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research
& Innovation. RIS activities are closely aligned with the University’s Research Strategy. The
University of Surrey has a strong history of successful research in science and technology, and
benefits from running a major Research Park located on University land adjacent to the main
campus. We work alongside our Enterprise and Growth colleagues as part of RES.
Person Specification This section describes the sum total of knowledge, experience & competence
required by the post holder that is necessary for standard acceptable performance in carrying out
this role.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
Essential
/
Desirabl
e
Degree, HND, NVQ 4 qualified in a relevant specialist subject, plus several years relevant
experience
E
OR
Significant vocational experience, demonstrating development through the acquisition
of appropriate specialist knowledge and involvement in a series of progressively more
demanding/relevant work/roles.
Technical Competencies (Experience and Knowledge) This section contains
the level of competency required to carry out the role.
Essential
/
Desirabl
e
Level
1-3
Experience of ethics approval processes ideally within a Higher Education or
National Health Service setting.
E
3
Awareness and understanding of the Concordat for Research Integrity.
E
2
Excellent document recognition skills.
E
2
Knowledge of clinical trials regulation and governance requirements.
D
n/a
Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation including Human Tissue
Act, Data Protection Act, EU Clinical Trials Directive, Good Clinical Practice
(GCP) and any other legislation which could influence and affect the
conduct of research
D
Core Competencies This section contains the level of competency required to carry out
this role.
n/a
Level
1-3
Communication
Adaptability / Flexibility
Customer/Client service and support
Planning and Organising
Teamwork
Continuous Improvement
Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills
Leadership / Management
Creative and Analytical Thinking
Influencing, Persuasion and Negotiation Skills
Strategic Thinking
Organisational Information
3
2
3
3
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
All staff are expected to:
Positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment to colleagues and students in
accordance with the University of Surrey Equal Opportunities Policy.
Help maintain a safe working environment by:

Attending training in Health and Safety requirements as necessary, both on appointment and as
changes in duties and techniques demand.

Following local codes of safe working practices and the University of Surrey Health and Safety
Policy.

Excellent environmental performance is a strategic objective for the University of Surrey. All staff
are encouraged to work to achieve the aims of our Environmental Policy and promote
awareness to colleagues and students.

Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager.
Director, R&IS
Head of
Research
Development &
Governance
Events Coordinator
Research
Development
Team
Research
Information Team
Head of
Programme
Management Space & Water
Head pf
Programme
Management Projects & 5G
RIS Administrator
Research
Project Officers
Research
Integrity and
Governance
Officer
Research
Integrity and
Governance
Manager
Assitant Research
Integrity and
Governance Officer
Assitant Research
Integrity and
Governance Officer
1. To manage the ethics approval system, reviewing and refining current internal processes to
streamline activity and increase efficiency. Work on policy and process review will be
undertaken in conjunction the University Ethics Committee and the Faculty Ethics
Committees.
2. To maintain an understanding of the requirements of the external research regulatory and
policy environment, alerting senior management to changes which will impact the University
of Surrey through summary reports and presentations at committees.
3. To work closely with the Assistant Research Integrity and Governance Officer to develop
clear advice and guidance for staff on general research practice, research ethics and
research governance.
4. To to act as the main point of contact for expert advice and guidance on complex matters
relating to research practice, research ethics and research governance.
5. To manage the Sponsorship process for the University of Surrey, liaising with colleagues at
Surrey Clinical Research Centre, where the sponsorship relates to clinical trials.
6. To support an evolving training programme in conjunction with Staff Development, Research
Development Programme and the Chair of the Ethics Committee in all areas relating to
research ethics and research integrity.
7. To undertake projects that improve the University’s understanding, support or resources
around ethics governance or integrity as defined by the Head of Research Development
and Governance and the Research Integrity and Governance Manager.
N.B. The above list is not exhaustive.