Research & Innovation Finance Officer

Are you passionate about supporting research in the NHS? Do you enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same?

The Research &​ Innovation (R&​I) Department at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is entering an exciting phase as we work towards University Hospital Trust status. We are seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to join us as a Research &​ Innovation Finance Officer and support this journey.

The successful candidate will have a strong financial background and be a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills. You will work with a wide range of stakeholders and be comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities, demonstrating these abilities through the ELHT values. Experience in project management and/or developing reporting tools (e.g. Power BI or similar) would be advantageous.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, evolving environment and values continuous professional development. The R&​I Department, and ELHT more broadly, has a strong track record of supporting staff growth and career progression.

Please note that this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office guidance.

Job Purpose Provide a professional, timely and accurate finance service to the Research, Development &​ Innovation (RD&​I) function, covering pre- and post-award grant management, study costing and negotiation, income recovery, reporting and compliance. The post holder supports the DERI Divisional Accountant and RD&​I Operations Manager to ensure research studies are costed appropriately, contracted effectively and financially managed in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs), funder requirements and applicable research costing guidance (e.g. AcoRD/SoECAT).

This role operates within a matrix management structure. While day-to-day tasks and study-specific direction will come from DERI Divisional Finance Manager (operational manager), line management responsibilities (e.g., appraisals, leave approval, sickness management) will be provided by the RD&​I Operations Manager (functional manager).

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Conduct duties with regard to values underpinning the Trust’s Vision “to be a great Trust providing the best possible healthcare to the people of East Lancashire”:-

Values:-

• Respecting the individual
• Putting patients and customers first
• Promoting positive change
• Acting with integrity
• Serving the community

Underpinning the Trust’s vision and values are the following key operating principles that influence the way in which the Trust does business:-

• Understand the world we live in and deal with it
• We are clinically led and management supported
• Support departments support the front line
• Everything is delivered by and through Divisions
• Compliance with standards and targets are a given. They are the things we do to help secure our independence and influence
• Quality is our organising principle – driving quality up and cost down is not mutually exclusive
• We deliver what we say we need to

Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should only be expected to carry our activities for which they are competent. Alternatively they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.

The Trust operates a Tobacco Control Policy.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Michelle Stephens Job title: Head of Research and Innovation Email address: Michelle.Stephens@elht.nhs.uk