Document 6424068

FACULTY OF HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES and
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
JOB INFORMATION
Post Title:
Senior Research Fellow in Midwifery
Grade:
9
Salary Range: £45,942 - £57,324 per annum
Mode:
Full-time
Ref No:
REQ001946
2.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a joint funded post between Coventry University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
(the Faculty) and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW). The
post will be hosted within the Centre for Children and Families Applied Research (CCFAR) at
Coventry University and within the Women’s and Children’s Group at UHCW.
.1
Purpose
To prepare project proposals (with a focus on maternal health and wellbeing), undertake
writing of bids and tenders for external projects or contracts and secure funding for large scale
research projects. To lead and manage applied research projects and project teams in
midwifery within CCFAR, the Faculty and UHCW, with particular focus on the theme of
maternal health and wellbeing. To develop relationships and collaborations that enhance the
reputation of the University and of UHCW whilst advancing knowledge in midwifery.
.2
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Generic:
1. Take a leading role on applied research in collaboration with other senior staff within CCFAR, the
Faculty and UHCW to ensure the continuing academic health of the discipline.
2. Lead and develop a team of university and UHCW staff including academic, clinical and research
staff and students focused on delivering national and, where relevant, international applied
research outputs with particular focus on maternal health and wellbeing.
3. Develop proposals for research projects or programmes which will make significant impact on
midwifery practice and education through increases in knowledge, discovery and development of
new insights, concepts or processes.
4. Seek and secure external research funding for major research projects and programmes through
preparation of persuasive bids.
5. Review and analyse research findings, developing new insights that expand thought and practice
in the field of midwifery and maternal health and wellbeing.
6. Take the lead on promoting and disseminating research outputs using a range of media e.g.
journals, external reports and refereed conference presentations.
7. Foster and develop fruitful external relationships, collaborations and partnerships with relevant
public, private and voluntary sector funding bodies, and research, clinical, academic, and
corporate organisations as appropriate.
8. Develop a prominent academic, professional and public profile and ensure that their team, UHCW
and University enjoy a good reputation.
9. Undertake suitable administrative duties and engage in committee and working groups and other
activities as required by UHCW and the University.
10. Represent UHCW and the University, as appropriate, on external committees, boards and at other
relevant meetings.
11. Contribute to teaching programmes and curriculum development in midwifery including
supervision of post graduate research students.
12. Such other duties as are within the scope and spirit of the job purpose, the title of the post and its
grading.
University Specific
13. Work collaboratively with other applied researchers within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
and across the University to support the achievement of applied research goals including applied
research income targets, support for the University’s Grand Challenges and submission under the
Research Excellence Framework.
UHCW Specific
14. Undertake a clinical session in midwifery on a weekly basis
.3
Supervision Received
University:
Deputy Vice Chancellor
UHCW:
Chief Nursing Officer
Associate Director of Nursing, Women’s and Children’s and Safeguarding
Faculty:
Associate Dean of Faculty
Director of CCFAR
It is expected the post holder will use his or her own initiative within corporate and specific
frameworks and will be accountable for his or her actions.
.4
.5
Supervision Given
University:
As required and agreed.
Faculty:
As required and agreed.
Team:
Assigned Full-time, Part-time, Emeritus and Honorary Academic Staff.
Assigned Research Fellows and Assistants.
Assigned Research Students and other Students.
Assigned Administrative and Technical Staff.
Contacts
University:
UHCW:
Funders:
Staff at all levels within Faculties and Services across the University.
Staff at all levels within UHCW
Staff of partner organisations and funding bodies including Research
Councils, European Commission and local, regional or national UK
government bodies.
Collaborators: External organisations and partners locally, nationally and internationally.
Other:
External organisations as necessary.
3.
PERSON SPECIFCATION
ATTRIBUTES

Education and
Qualifications




Experience
(Paid and Unpaid)








Leadership of an academic
and/or research team.
Budgetary management of
research projects.
Responsibility for managing
staff recruitment,
performance and retention
Representation on relevant
regional, national or
international committees,
boards or networks.
Track record of securing
income or external funding of
at least £50K since 2008.
Record of publishing peer-reviewed
papers and/or presentations at
international conferences

Publication of four or more
papers which would be rated
as internationally excellent
(REF2014 3* grading).

Ability to lead a research project
under minimal supervision.
Project management skills.
Awareness of changing policies in
midwifery.
Ability to undertake a weekly clinical
session in midwifery.
Organisational skills, e.g. time
management and ability to meet
deadlines.
High-level of oral, written and IT
communication and presentational
skills to a range of audiences.
Flexibility.
Ability to work in a team.
Able to encourage others.
Excellent communication skills.
Leadership style which promotes
collaboration and open two way
communication.
Commitment to promoting the
values that underpin the discipline
and applied research activities.
A commitment to develop the
discipline to build and preserve a
high-profile national or international
reputation for the University and
UHCW.
May be required to work outside of
normal 8.30 am to 5.00 pm hours
including weekends, on occasion.
Willingness to travel both within the
UK and abroad.

Expertise in either qualitative
or quantitative
methodologies.

Networking/consultancy
skills
Client relationship
management skills





Interpersonal Skills

ADVANTAGEOUS
Supervisor of Midwives

Research,
Publications and
Special Interests
Job-related Skills
and Aptitudes
ESSENTIAL
A practising midwife currently on the
NMC professional register.
PhD in a relevant discipline or
Masters degree plus equivalent
professional experience.
Experience of working in research in
midwifery.
Experience of qualitative or
quantitative research methods.
Leadership related to midwifery
practice.
Supervision or management of
individual research, academic
and/or clinical staff or postgraduate
students.
Project management.
Experience of working
collaboratively with clinical and
academic partners.







Other



Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Situated right at the heart of the city, next to the landmark cathedrals, the Coventry University campus
enjoys a single, well-connected site supported by an excellent communication infrastructure. With
some 2,400 staff and 22,000+ students, Coventry is a medium-sized university. The last decade has
seen a significant expansion in retail, leisure, cultural and events venues in the city, including the
Ricoh Arena which hosted some of the 2012 Olympic Games events. Meanwhile, just a short journey
away by car, lie the historical attractions of Warwickshire, including Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick and
Kenilworth, with the Cotswolds a little further south. London is just an hour away by train; and
Birmingham 25 minutes.
The University entered 16 Units of Assessment in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, and was
judged to have world-leading research in seven units, and internationally excellent research in a
further seven. The number of staff submitted to RAE2008 was almost double that of 2001, and QR
income from this source has doubled in value to the University. The Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences entered staff into a number of different units of assessment in RAE2008. For example, in
Allied Health Professions the outcome was a research quality profile of 5% world-leading, 5%
internationally excellent; 25% international and 55% national. The plans for the 2014 Research
Excellence Framework are well in hand with all units of assessment now undertaking an external
review of their fully prepared documentation.
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has a strong and lively applied research community. The
Faculty’s applied research activities are currently focussed around four Applied Research Centres and
a number of Applied Research Groups. The Applied Research Centres are: the Applied Research
Centre in Health and Lifestyle Interventions (led by Professor Louise Wallace with the support of
Professor Sally Singh); the Applied Research Centre in Sonochemistry (Professor Tim Mason); the
Centre for Applied Research in Psychology (Professor Clare Wood) and the Centre for Child and
Families Applied Research (Professor Jane Coad). The Applied Research Groups include: Health
Research: People, Policy and Practice (Professor Gill Furze); Social Therapeutic and Community
(Professor Howard Davis); Centre for Excellence in Learning Enhancement (Professor Lynn Clouder);
Learning Innovations (Professor Maggi Savin Baden); Biomolecular Science; Pre-hospital, Emergency
& Cardiovascular Care; Sport and Exercise Science; and Functional Materials.
The Faculty of HLS brought in a total of £9.25m in applied research income over the last 2 financial
years. This included winning large EU FP7, NIHR, Department of Health and KTP bids. The Faculty
has a strong track record and future strategic plan, for supporting staff in applied research, to grow
future AR income and postgraduate research student numbers, alongside delivering quality research
publications and generating impact.
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is the second largest Faculty in the university, with over 300
staff and approximately 4600 students. The Faculty offers a wide range of professional, vocational and
non-vocational courses ranging from Certificates, Diplomas and undergraduate degrees, to Master's
level and degrees by research. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is nationally recognised for
the high quality of its provision of applied and professional courses, which includes Biological and
Molecular Sciences, Sports Science, Psychology, Criminology, Social Work, Forensic Investigations,
Health and Social Care, Youth Work, and Social Welfare. This is complemented by an equally strong
profile in pre-registration and post-qualifying professional courses in Nursing (Adult, Children and
Young People, Mental Health, and Learning Disability), Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Operating
Department Practice, Clinical Psychology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics. There
is also a well established and professionally accredited suite of postgraduate and Continuing
Professional Development courses. This encompasses a broad portfolio of on-campus, off-campus,
blended, and distance learning courses which are both discipline and profession specific as well as
inter-disciplinary.
The Faculty’s vision is:
To provide high quality educational provision to a wide range of students, underpinned by a strong
commitment to student support. The Faculty expects research and scholarship to permeate its
educational provision, and is committed to developing a strong and focused research profile. The
Faculty will develop in areas that give particular attention to local and regional needs, whilst at the
same time aiming to become nationally and internationally recognised for the quality of its work.
There are five academic Departments in the Faculty:
- Bio-molecular and Sport Science
- Psychology and Behavioural Sciences
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Health Professions
- Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies
Through effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies, our students are able to enhance
their existing skills and develop new ones. The Faculty has excellent facilities, including well-equipped
scientific and clinical skills laboratories and multimedia-equipped classrooms. We make extensive use
of innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including podcasting, interactive online discussion,
the video capture of lectures and use of mobile technologies/applications. We also deliver high
quality online courses to home and international students, and this, together with the provision of
online materials to all our students, is a key feature of our innovative and supportive approach to
teaching and learning.
We believe the views of our students are the best testament to our success. In student evaluations,
whether undertaken at the end of modules or courses, in internal reviews of our students’ experience,
or through the National Student Survey, our students consistently confirm their high levels of
satisfaction with their courses and with our staff. The quality of the Faculty’s provision also receives
consistently high ratings from professional, regulatory and statutory bodies.
Key Facts
As one of the largest organisations of its type in the UK the Trust has 1,337 beds, around 5,500 staff
with a budget of over £280 million a year. The Trust operates from two sites, University Hospital,
Coventry and the Hospital of St.Cross, Rugby.
The Trust is the major tertiary acute hospital for Coventry, Warwickshire and South West
Leicestershire, serving a combined population of around one million people. It also provides a number
of specialities on a regional basis to a much larger population, such as, renal dialysis and
transplantation centre, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery and invasive cardiology, cancer services,
major trauma for the eastern part of the West Midlands, IVF and neo-natal Intensive Care.
Welcome
Whatever your interest or speciality the Trust can offer excellent prospects, both personally and
professionally. We have an impressive record of investing in people and providing high quality
services. We value and promote the input staff can make in the way we work and encourage staff to
get involved in key decisions.
The Trust exists to provide a comprehensive range of high quality and acute specialist services which:
 are responsive to patient’s needs
 are at the leading edge of developments in effective medical technology
 are at a cost that compares favourably with the rest of the NHS
 are provided by motivated and appropriately trained staff.
By focusing on our Mission to Care, Achieve and Innovate, we pledge to:



Deliver the best care for our patients
Achieve excellence in education and learning
Innovate though research and learning
Maternity Services
We deliver over 6000 babies each year. Our maternity unit is situated within the west wing of
University Hospital, Coventry site. It incorporates antenatal clinics, ultrasound, fetal wellbeing and
labour ward on the first floor with the antenatal and postnatal wards on the second floor. We have a
birthing pool, separate entrance for women and children and a regional neonatal intensive care unit.
Antenatal, ultrasound and community midwifery services including home birth are also available in
Rugby.
Reproductive Health Biomedical Research Unit
What happens in-utero lasts a lifetime. Adverse pregnancy events, such as fetal growth restriction,
intra-uterine death, stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and preterm birth, are prevalent
disorders and the major causes of fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. In addition, impaired fetal
programming in-utero is an established risk factor for metabolic and degenerative disorders later in
life, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Miscarriage is the commonest complication
of pregnancy and 1-2% of couples will experience recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as three or more
consecutive miscarriages. In addition to the physical trauma, recurrent pregnancy loss causes
considerable psychological morbidity and increases the risk of adverse outcome in a subsequent
ongoing pregnancy. Underpinning this spectrum of pregnancy disorders is failure of the implantation
process, and the cost to public health services arising from failures in implantation is substantial.
Understanding implantation effectiveness will also feed into the development of risk models in
obstetrics, that address issues raised in the RCOG Report ‘High Quality Women’s Health Care’, July
2011; it is therefore very pertinent to the debate in changing models of health provision.
There is a demand from patients, GPs and consultants, nationally, for access to their opinions and
new treatments. There has also been a general failure in both academic and clinical departments to
capitalise on research skills and training effort, resulting in poor value for money for both hospital and
university. In the current economic climate, research needs to acknowledge its potential for income
both in direct terms through increased patient throughput to specialised clinics, income per patient,
income from use of unique resources, and income from grants for translational research and new
treatment trials; and also in indirect terms through raised profile for UHCW, attracting increased
general referrals and high quality staff, and in work enrichment for existing staff. As such, the
University of Warwick and UHCW recently appointed two world class professors in implantation. They
are responsible for setting up a showcase unit which will have the potential to become the National
Centre for Research in Implantation in Pregnancy, functioning as a Biomedical Research Partnership
in Reproductive Health (BRP-RH). The BRP-RH at UHCW/WMS will strive to improve the
management and outcome of prevalent pregnancy-associated disorders by conducting well-powered
observational and interventional clinical studies underpinned by innovative basic and translational
research.
The BRP-RH aims to provide the structure and authority to coordinate and focus research effort in
Human Reproduction, capitalise on training and improve the quality of training. It will enhance the
position of the Division and Department nationally as a significant player in the country’s knowledge
economy. In addition, it will develop income so it will not only become self funding but will strengthen
the Division’s ability to attract grant funding for large research projects. UHCW NHS Trust has
committed £100K per year for 5 years to establish the BRH-BP and associated clinics, kick-start new
initiatives and collaborative links, and implement pilot research programmes designed to attract large
grant funding. Currently, 2 research fellows and 2 research midwives support the BRP-RH. The Unit
is also supported by Comprehensive Local Research Network Midwives who assist with recruitment
into NIHR portfolio trials.
Further Information
For further information about the Trust and its services, please visit our website at:
www.uhcw.nhs.uk