Information for Applicants
The UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Network is seeking a highly experienced person with expertise in clinical trials to Chair its International Registration Review Committee.
The successful candidate will have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and acumen within the field of non-commercial/academic clinical trials research, demonstrate an excellent understanding of best practice as well as current drivers for change.
Given the nature of the role, the Committee Chair should not be currently directly associated with one or more CTUs in the UK and must therefore have an Emeritus or non-CTU based position within the UK or internationally.
The CTU Network brings together fifty-one non-commercial units from across the UK.
As the collective voice of non-commercial and academic clinical trials units, the Network plays an important role in engaging with Government, funders, regulators, and patients to improve and strengthen clinical research in the UK. The Network is seen internationally as an exemplar for the development of national clinical trials support. It was established in 2007 and its members are committed to setting and sharing good practice and improving standards in clinical trials.
The UKCRC CTU Network is funded by its members, and major funders have representation on the Network’s Executive Group, this includes: Cancer Research UK, NIHR, Versus Arthritis, Chief Scientist Office Scotland and Health and Social Care Research Wales.
This role does not involve any report writing, all administration for the biannual meetings is supported by the Network’s Secretariat.
Role description
- Leading board committee business namely:
- To work with the Network Secretariat and Executive Group to oversee review of UKCRC CTU Registration criteria and processes and to make recommendations to the UKCRC Board in respect of the eligibility of applicant CTUs, and in respect of continuing satisfactory standards of fully or provisionally registered CTUs.
- To report and make necessary recommendations to the UKCRC Registered CTU Network Executive Group in respect of any changes to the registration criteria or processes.
- To work with the Network Secretariat to monitor continued maintenance of standards of registered CTUs as part of the annual registration update. This will be via the Chair and Deputy Chair only, except where wider discussion is required.
- Leading good committee governance
- Working with UKCRC Registered CTU Network leadership, in setting the strategic direction of the registration process and membership.
- Maintaining awareness of the clinical trials environment and key national and international issues affecting clinical trials units.
Personal attributes
- A strong background in clinical trials research either within the UK or internationally
- Integrity, diplomacy, strategic vision, and sound judgement.
- Committed to the values and purpose of the Network.
- An in depth understanding of the strategic opportunities and challenges in UK clinical trials research and the role of CTUs within the environment.
- The ability to think strategically and objectively, take the long view.
- A collaborative working style that reflects the Network’s values with strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Ability to chair meetings well, encouraging debate and facilitating decision-making
- Negotiation and diplomacy skills with the ability to have courageous conversations
Governance and reporting arrangements
The post-holder is responsible to the UKCRC CTU Network Executive Board and the UKCRC Board (Chaired currently by Lucy Chappell). The Chair will have a key relationship with the UKCRC Programme and Delivery Manager and the Chair of the UKCRC CTU Network Executive Board (currently Simon Denegri OBE, Chief Exec, Academy of Medical Sciences).
Terms of Reference for the Committee are available here.
Travel and attendance at meetings
Due to the self funded nature of the Network, travel expenses and hotel accommodation will be reimbursed for face-to-face meetings. Teleconferences will be used where the number of applications makes this feasible.
How to apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit an up-to-date short CV plus covering letter (500 words) outlining their vision for the role and how they believe they fulfil the role description by 6pm on Friday 19 July 2024.
