NHS Ayrshire & Arran
251457 (SM) Chief Nurse - Research & Development
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251457 (SM) Chief Nurse - Research & Development
Chief Nurse Research & Development – Job Share (Band 8C, 14.4 hrs/week, 0.4 WTE, 2-Year Fixed Term Contract)
NHS Lothian is seeking an innovative, proactive, and caring leader to join as part of a job-share arrangement for the Chief Nurse (Research & Development) role, based at West Port/Working from Home.
About the Role
We are looking to fill this job share position alongside the existing Chief Nurse for Research & Development. The ideal candidate will bring strategic clinical leadership, operational management experience, and a passion for enhancing research capacity within nursing and midwifery.
Key Responsibilities
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Leadership & Strategic Development:
- Shape and support the implementation and evaluation of the NHS Lothian Research Delivery Community Strategic Plan (2026–2029).
- Finalise, implement, and evaluate the Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professional (AHP) and Pharmacy (NMAHPP) Research Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
- Work collaboratively with seven academic partners across Scotland to build research capability in nursing, midwifery, and therapeutic professions.
- Engender a culture of research excellence and innovation, ensuring alignment with NHS Lothian’s Vision, Ambitions, and Values.
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Workforce Leadership & Management:
- Provide professional leadership for the clinical research nursing and midwifery workforce.
- Line-manage and support three Work Experience (WTE) Clinical Research Nurse Managers.
- Participate in operational management of clinical research activities across Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital.
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Education, Development & Supervision:
- Encourage and support postgraduate research supervision where applicable.
- Retain and strengthen clinical education delivery, including induction programmes and mentorship opportunities.
- Embrace continuous professional development and guide nursing and midwifery staff toward excellent care delivery.
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- Flexible Working Arrangements:
- The role is flexible, with the option to work from home or access a bookable desk at Waverley Court.
- No fixed base, fostering adaptability and modern approaches to leadership in research.
Requirements
Essential:
- Registration & PVG Scheme Requirement:
- Must hold or apply for a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership within the relevant regulatory group (child/adult).
- Due to legislative changes (from 1 April 2025), all “regulated roles” will require PVG clearance.
- Updates on criminal records checks will be provided by the Hiring Manager or Recruitment Team.
- Experienced Leadership in Nursing or Midwifery:
- Band 8C eligibility is required (or equivalent experience for leadership roles).
- Strong clinical research experience, preferably in nursing or midwifery.
- Proven Collaboration:
- Excellence in cross-disciplinary teamwork, particularly within academic partnerships.
- Comfort with policy development, strategy implementation, and workforce training.
- Innovative Mindset:
- Ability to driving evidence-based practice and mentoring research talents.
Desirable but Not Mandatory:
- Experience in job share environments or asynchronous, flexible work styles.
- Direct experience in developing nursing/midwifery research strategies or leading similar initiatives.
- Engagement with nursing/midwifery leadership roles within academic collaborations.
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Meeting NHS Scotland Commitments
- Equality & Inclusion: NHS Lothian values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Work Rights: To work in the UK, you must have relevant UK visa permission. Employer will verify this following the NHS Standardised Employment Check Process.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Support for applicants with long-term conditions or neurodiversity.
Salary & Working Arrangements
- Salary: Pro-rated to Band 8C for 14.4 hours/week (0.4 WTE).
- Contract Duration: Two-year Fixed Term Contract.
Next Steps
If interested, reach out for further exploration:
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Juliet MacArthur (HR Lead)
- Email: Juliet.MacArthur@nhs.scot | Phone: 07792 894760
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Claire Palmer (Line Manager, Acute Nurse Director)
- Email: Claire.Palmer@nhs.scot | Phone: 07929 822686
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Application Guidance:
- Expect high competition for this role—submit early.
- AI may assist with planning/rewriting, but authenticity is mandatory.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape nursing/midwifery research in Scotland.
- Professional growth aligned with NHS Lothian’s Strategic Plan.
- Access to a supportive, inclusive culture focused on collaboration, development, and clinical excellence.
Do you have the leadership ambition and research mission to make a lasting impact in these roles? Apply now.
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