We are seeking a dynamic and driven individual to become an integral part of our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team in the role of Senior Programme Manager.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a team of experts dedicated to spearheading the advancement and execution of our PPIE strategy. Ideal for those looking to showcase and enhance their proficiency, understanding, and expertise in PPIE within the realm of research management. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth. We are also a major funder of applied health research in low- and middle-income countries. We have a dedicated Patient and Public Involvement team that  undertakes key functions including: 

• Supporting research programmes by recruiting public contributors to act as reviewers of applications and committee members
• Supporting programme teams in monitoring performance of research awards against contractual requirements for PPIE, and, 
• Providing support to public contributors, public involvement leads and programme teams, including learning and development.

The post will also be responsible for providing expert advice, guidance and monitoring to NIHR domestic and global health programmes, Infrastructure, Schools and Units on the development and delivery of their strategic plans for public/community involvement and engagement. You will work with colleagues across the NIHR and beyond to coordinate collaborative approaches to sharing resources, learning and effective practice.

Key Responsibilities

• PPIE Oversight & Expertise: Provide guidance, coordination, and monitoring to support PPIE activities in NIHR initiatives managed by the NIHR Coordinating Centre.
• Project Leadership: provide leadership in the recruitment of patients, carers, and service users to take part in NIHR funding decisions, both as reviewers and committee members.
• Strategic leadership: Drive thought leadership in defining and executing strategic priorities for working with people and communities across NIHR. Contribute to cross-organisational policy development to achieve a unified vision for PPIE.
• Team Management & Development: Manage staff, including workforce planning, mentoring, and appraisal, to ensure efficient programme delivery and foster professional growth.
• Training & Support: Develop and deliver resources, training, and ongoing support for researchers, programme teams, and public partners, using various channels like teleconferences, webinars, and emails.
• Outreach & Engagement: Lead efforts in community outreach, building relationships with diverse groups, and ensuring knowledge-sharing across PPIE leads, public partners, and researchers to strengthen engagement and capacity.
• Annual Planning & Reporting: Oversee the development, delivery, monitoring, and reporting of an annual involvement and engagement plan, continuously innovating to streamline processes and enhance impact.
• External Relations: Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across public, private, and voluntary sectors to support PPI activities, foster shared learning, and promote best practices.
• Process Development: Establish processes and documentation for the recruitment and support of public partners for funding committees, including creating necessary forms and information packs. 
• Environmental Awareness & Innovation: Stay updated on developments in PPIE practices and research, promoting continuous improvement and innovation within the organisation.
• Efficiency Optimization: Explore opportunities to enhance synergy and add value across NIHR and non-NIHR contracts, contributing to efficiency and effectiveness improvements.
• Other Duties: Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the line manager, balanced with overall workload considerations.

About You 
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: 

Required Criteria 

• Degree in humanities, arts and social sciences or equivalent experience
• Knowledge and experience of patient and public involvement in the community or healthcare sector and/or research 
• Experience in project leadership & diversity
• Experience with strategic development & policy
• Experience in planning, delivery, monitoring, review and reporting strategies
• Experience of working with the public, building stakeholder relationships
• Experience in team management 
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills 
• Effective planning/organisational skills 
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Excellent IT skills including the use of Google Apps

Salary & Benefits 
£47,300 - £49,900 PA
Bonus - subject to company performance
25 days annual leave, plus public holidays (UK)
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
Benenden Healthcare
Season Ticket Loan
Laptop, IT equipment and remote IT support

This is a full time, permanent, office based, hybrid role, with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices a minimum of 4 days a month, usually worked as 1 day per week, and may increase, subject to team requirements. 

Application
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR. Be sure to reference REF1105X in all correspondence.

NB: Closing date for applications is the 2nd Dec at 1700. Interviews to commence from the 9th December until the 13th December. 

Equal Opportunities
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age or trade union membership.