NRS VPAG Network Coordinator

Background

The 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) is a five year initiative agreed between the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and the UK Government Department for Health and Social Care to support expansion and enhancement of the UK capacity to deliver pharmaceutical commercial clinical trials.

Delivery in Scotland is through a network of Commercial Research Delivery Centres, building on the existing clinical research delivery infrastructure.

The Central Management Team (CMT) provides support to the wider NHS Research Scotland collaboration by providing a range of services, including liaison and support for companies seeking to place trials within NHS Scotland.

NHS Research Scotland (NRS) is a partnership involving Scottish NHS Boards and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Government. The NRS Central Management Team (NRS-CMT) is funded via a direct SLA and sits within InnoScot Health Ltd.

Job Summary

Working with the VPAG Network Manager and as part of the CMT Industry Team, the post holder provides support for the Scottish VPAG collaboration and assists in coordination of the delivery of VPAG in Scotland.

This includes pan-Scotland support for VPAG funded infrastructure in NRS, developing and maintaining effective links with the VPAG initiative across the UK, and ensuring the delivery of associated administrative activities as part of NRS CMT.

This post reports to the NRS VPAG Network Manager and works closely with the existing CMT Commercial Manager and NRS Central Feasibility manager.

The role may require travel across Scotland and the UK.

Activity Areas

• Assist in drafting agendas, arranging meetings, drafting and circulation of minutes and papers, writing and presentation of reports, updating meeting action trackers and chasing meeting actions.
• Work with the existing NRS industry Manager and Central Feasibility Services Manager
• Support the NRS VPAG Network Manager to develop and maintain effective working relationships with equivalent roles within other parts of the UK Site placement and feasibility
• Act as a contact point for NRS to link with the UK VPAG feasibility processes.
• Engage effectively with existing NRS and UK feasibility processes
• Work with NRS and CMT colleagues to ensure the provision of accurate VPAG activity reports of NRS VPAG staff capacity, workload, and delivery metrics.
• Assist with the production of reports as required to other NRS meetings and CSO.
• Assist the VPAG Network Manager in meetings with company representatives
• Maintain and update information on NRS VPAG company portfolios
• Assist in identifying and resolving problems in study setup or delivery.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant life science or clinical subject
• Evidence of supporting effective collaborations and partnerships
• Proven ability to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate and present effectively.
• Good office IT skills

Desirable

• Experience of working within a clinical research environment, either in industry or healthcare
• Knowledge of national systems, structures, and processes for supporting clinical research (industry and academic sponsored), in the NHS
• Understanding of governance and legislative frameworks for clinical research in the NHS
• Ability to plan, manage, and deliver complex projects, involving multiple agencies and individuals and a broad range of activities.
• An understanding of the central role in clinical research of patients, carers and the wider public

The post is available from 1 March 2025 for a period of 1 year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. Secondment and job share applications will be considered.

How to apply:

Please send a copy of your CV along with covering letter to Lyndsey.wilson@innoscot.com.

Only applicants being invited to interview will be contacted.

For further details on NRS and the VPAG initiative, visit: https://www.nhsresearchscotland.org.uk/industry/vpag