Clinical research is an essential element in ensuring new treatments are rapidly and safely translated to clinical use to transform the lives of people with cystic fibrosis. Nine years ago, the Trust set up an ambitious programme of work to broaden the reach of trials to all people with cystic fibrosis in the UK, the Clinical Trials Accelerator Platform (CTAP). CTAP is a national cystic fibrosis clinical trials network which has created the infrastructure (network of CTAP centres) and funded additional research capacity (trial coordinators) to support NHS Cystic Fibrosis centres to grow their clinical trial portfolio. This in turn has increased the number of clinical trial opportunities for the UK CF community, and improved access to the newest therapies for people living with cystic fibrosis.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Regional Network Coordinator to join the CTAP coordinating team as maternity cover. The postholder will oversee the coordination of the four CTAP regional clinical trial networks which sit within the main CTAP programme. This role will play an important role in overseeing the smooth running of the CTAP regional networks in addition to providing support and guidance relating to the referral of patients for clinical trial participation.
To be the right candidate, you will:
- Have experience of working within the area of clinical trials in some capacity for the NHS, a university, research funder or a commercial sponsor
- Have an in-depth understanding of the clinical research landscape, particularly in the context of a national/disease-specific clinical trials network
- Understand the relevant regulations surrounding clinical trials in the UK
- Have strong project management and communication skills
We offer a range of benefits including flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (this will be pro-rata for part time staff), opportunities for learning and development, pension, healthcare cash plan and more.
Closing date for completed applications is midnight on Sunday 3 August 2025
In view of the summer holiday period, interviews have been scheduled for Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September 2025
We reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.
Please note you will need to have the right to work in the UK before starting work with us and we will check this. We do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for our roles.
No agencies please
For more information about the role and how to apply:
For more information about the role and how to apply: For more details about the job and requirements, please visit our website or use the application button provided.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis; people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ and people with disabilities.
It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.
REF-222 790
Purpose of the post
The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project. We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.
This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including: establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks.
Main responsibilities
Planning & strategy delivery
· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.
Practical engagement and involvement
· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme. To include, for example:
o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.
Team support
- Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
- Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
- Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.
Wider
- Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
- Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
- Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including marginalised and vulnerable groups
· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.
· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)
Desirable criteria
· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)
Dimensions
· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.