Job Introduction

Hello! We are Pennine MSK Partnership, part of Vita Health Group and have a great opportunity for a Research Nurse to join our team. Vita Health Group have recently been recognised as being one of the UK’s best health care companies to work for, and we want you to become part of that! As a people–centred company, we are keen to develop individuals careers where their interests apply. So, if you’re looking to enhance your skill sets, progress your career or focus on your personal growth, please read on.

Pennine MSK Partnership is an award-winning service commissioned by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide care for the patients of Oldham in Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Persistent Pain in community settings across several sites in and around Oldham. We are an NHS employer under AfC T&C's.

We have a large multidisciplinary team of 90 clinicians and 40 Operational staff who work in the service to provide an outstanding pathway of care for our patients.

Our multidisciplinary team includes clinicians from a variety of roles such as in rheumatology, physiotherapy, podiatry, and pharmacy.

About the Role:

This is a key role in supporting and delivering a portfolio of high-quality clinical research studies across our services. You will work alongside our established and dedicated rheumatology and MSK teams, supporting studies that have a direct impact on improving patient outcomes and advancing clinical practice in musculoskeletal health.

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage the set-up and delivery of research studies in accordance with approved protocols and ethical frameworks.
• Identify and recruit suitable participants, gaining informed consent and maintaining excellent patient care throughout.
• Collect, document, and manage research data in line with regulatory and study requirements.
• Administer treatments and interventions as part of clinical trials, ensuring patient safety and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Act as a key point of contact for study sponsors, the NIHR Clinical Research Network, and internal teams.
• Contribute to audit, quality improvement, and the development of new research initiatives.

About You:

Essential Criteria:

• Registered Nurse (NMC) with substantial post-registration experience.
• Experience in clinical research and evidence-based practice.
• Knowledge of research governance, ethics, and GCP.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in clinical research within rheumatology/MSK services.
• Experience in patient recruitment and data management in clinical trials.
• Venepuncture and/or cannulation skills.
• Knowledge of electronic data capture systems.

What We Offer:

• A supportive, innovative, and clinically driven environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and research training.
• Flexible working where possible to support work-life balance.
• The chance to make a real difference in the future of musculoskeletal care.

Why Vita Health Group?

Vita Health Group celebrates life. Improving lives physically and mentally drives everything we do.  Now part of Spire Healthcare Group plc we have been providing physical and mental health services for over 30 years. We work in partnership with the NHS, are engaged by insurers and some of the UK’s largest corporate companies to support their workforce and provide a full range of physiotherapy services to private customers.

To achieve our mission of Making People Better, we recognise the importance of investing in our staff. We are an award-winning employer recently recognised nationally as “Best Company to Work for” at the Health and Wellbeing Awards 2024.

This is also recognised by current employees – our most recent Employee Survey results showed the top 5 reasons to work here as being:

• Supportive team and management
• Positive work environment
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Trust and respect
• Autonomy and flexibility

We are keen to progress your skills and enable career development and provide regular Continued Professional Development opportunities including secondments, management training, a mentoring scheme, apprenticeships and regular events and webinars across a range of clinical disciplines.  In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer the opportunity of a flexible work life balance and a comprehensive benefits package which you can view here: https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/join-us/careers

Vita Health Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and is seeking to improve the diversity of its workforce.  We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion best practice and positively encourage applications from candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion/belief, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity.  For further information on our EDI commitments please view here: Vita Health Groups commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to being equitable and supporting the wellbeing of all employees.

• We are a Mindful Employer
• Our status as a Disability Confident Leader dedicated to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. All disabled candidates that meet the minimum essential criteria will be considered for interview.
• Our Ethnicity Matters Scheme where all applicants for senior roles (£40,000+) from a minority ethnic group that meet the essential criteria will be considered for interview.
• Our Gender Matters Scheme where all women applicants for senior roles (£60,000+) that meet the essential criteria will be considered for interview.
• Our sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.  
• Our status as a Menopause Friendly Committed employer. 
• Our sign up to the Employer with Heart Charter.  
• Our commitment to meet the standards outlined in the NHS Equality Delivery System (EDS). Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) and Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES).
• Access to health and wellbeing services for colleagues including Mental Health Advocates and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• An embedded “speaking up” culture facilitated by Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.
• Treating transgender individuals with dignity and recognising the potential complications that may arise when taking references. We encourage applicants to contact HR at hr@vhg.co.uk to discuss or amend how we manage reference requests.

Should you wish to discuss any adjustment or assistance you need in the application or interview process please contact recruitment@vhg.co.uk and we will facilitate.

Please note, all applicants must be legally entitled to accept and perform work in the UK and all positions are subject to a DBS check. 

Any data which you share with us throughout the hiring process will be stored securely within the UK and is accessible only by staff who require it. Should your application be unsuccessful, your data will be securely destroyed after 6 months. 

Vita Health Group reserves the right to close this job when sufficient applications have been received.

Vita Health Group