What is the Research and Innovation Secondment Programme?

  • This is an opportunity for all members of staff to work with the R&I department for 1 day a week over a period of 12 months.
  • Staff who are seconded will be supported to conduct a research or evaluation project within their service.
  • The R&I department will provide a mentor and specific training as required
  • There is no backfill available

 

Who are we looking for?

  • Members of staff from any directorate with an undergraduate degree level qualification or above. We are open to applications from clinical and non-clinical staff.
  • Although applicants are expected to dedicate one day a week to the project, this can be done flexibly; special arrangement can be made for those working part-time.

 

What does working with the R&I team offer the individual?

  • The opportunity for in depth work on a topic that they are passionate about and they feel can make a real difference to practice
  • Transferable research, evaluation and leadership skills
  • Training, support and academic mentoring from R&I staff for 12 months
  • The opportunity to consider future qualification, including Masters and PhD
  • Good links with R&I, including the potential to support on-going national and local research and evaluation work across the Trust
  • Chance to develop presentation and writing skills in preparation for presentation of findings at the R&I quarterly seminar series
  • Support for the production of reports and journal articles
  • 1-1 tuition and mentoring relationships (current mentors include Prof Eleanor Bradley, Dr Tom Kingstone, Dr Paul Campbell, Dr Tim Lewington and Dr David Dobel-Ober)
  • Access to Local Clinical Research Network training opportunities (for those inputting into national research work)
  • Applicants will be able to work in R&I offices if required 

 

What does the opportunity offer directorates?

  • Development of evidence based practice of value to the trust, users and carers
  • The development of a member of staff with enhanced research and evaluation skills, good project management and leadership
  • The chance to develop a project that addresses concerns or issues specific to the Directorate
  • Good links with R&I, including input into national project work that may be underway within directorates
  • A link for participating in research work in the future, including potential bidding for external research funding
  • Access to research expertise
  • Potential support to meet Appraisal requirements and Personal Development Conversations (PDCs)

 

Priority Areas. Members of staff are encouraged to consider projects that would:

  • Fit with the strategic objectives of the Trust
  • Serve the interests of service users and carers
  • Address a current issue
  • Be likely to have a direct impact on practice
  • Utilise routinely collected data, to facilitate further understanding amongst staff about data analysis and the practical use of data.
  • Members of staff are encouraged to consult colleagues and managers to identify potential research areas. This will help ensure projects are relevant and well supported by each team/service.

 

How to apply

This is a rolling programme and applications will be considered in the order they have been received. All efforts will be made to support appropriate applications and allocate a mentor, but we can’t guarantee immediate access to the programme as this is dependent on mentors’ availability.

Applications need to be sent to Dr David Dobel-Ober
david.dobel-ober@mpft.nhs.uk

R&I,
Block 7,
St. George’s Hospital,
Stafford
ST16 3AG

Applications should include:

  • A short CV
  • A short project proposal (800 to 1000 words) providing the main idea, rationale and basic project plan for a 12 months study (including potential impact to the directorate)

Please note, a letter from the applicant’s line manager, agreeing to their involvement in this programme will be required

Please feel free to contact David Dobel-Ober for further information about the programme or to discuss project ideas and proposal:
david.dobel-ober@mpft.nhs.uk
01785 783176 (ext 7128776)

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