Job summary
Help shape research that improves lives. Devon Partnership NHS Trust is seeking an Associate Director of Research & Development to lead our research, evaluation and innovation agenda and turn evidence into better care.

Reporting to the Medical Director, you will work with the Trust Board, clinical leaders and research teams to develop and deliver a clear, ambitious strategy. You will help colleagues across all professions develop research skills and opportunities, embedding safe, effective and sustainable research into everyday practice.

You will strengthen partnerships with the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, the NIHR, life sciences companies, patients and the public. Together, you will expand commercial and non-commercial research, attract funding and build a portfolio that reflects patient needs and NHS priorities.

This is an opportunity for an experienced senior leader with expert knowledge of research governance, clinical trials and evaluation. You will bring strong financial and change management experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to build partnerships across professional and organisational boundaries.

Based at Wonford House with agile working, the role is offered at Band 8D or on the medical pay scale, depending on profession. You will also lead the development of a Trust-wide evaluation framework, helping services understand the impact of change and use findings to improve quality, outcomes and care.

Main duties of the job
You will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's research, evaluation and innovation strategy and annual R&D plan, aligning activity with local, regional and national priorities. Provide strategic leadership to the R&D senior management team, with overall accountability for the directorate's staff, performance and resources. Develop workforce capacity, support training and enable colleagues across professions to develop and deliver high-quality research. Oversee clinical trials and studies, ensuring robust governance, quality assurance, patient safety and compliance with research legislation and regulatory requirements. Manage risks, monitor incidents and ensure timely study completion and reporting. Build partnerships with universities, the NIHR, industry and other research organisations. Increase participation in research and ensure patients, carers and the public help shape its development and delivery. Set and manage budgets, maximise commercial and non-commercial income, identify funding opportunities and ensure value for money. Develop policies, business plans and systems that support sustainable research delivery. Establish a Trust-wide evaluation framework, embedding process and impact evaluation into transformation programmes and everyday services. Analyse complex information, advise senior leaders and present reports to the Board and external partners, using evidence to guide service improvement.

About us
About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Details
Date posted: 29 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8d
Salary: £94,356 to £108,814 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9369-26-0837
Job location: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF, United Kingdom

Person specification
Knowledge

• Detailed and Expert Knowledge and understanding of research, evaluation and innovation issues, legislation and practice.
• Good working knowledge of other Healthcare and Public Service Sectors especially those relating to learning disability, criminal justice and childrens service
• Knowledge and understanding of key NHS issues, including national and local policy drivers that are complex and highly politicised. Highly developed knowledge and understanding of key NHS organisation systems
• Extensive understanding of current issues associated with the research and evaluation of health and social care.
• Strong commercial and business acumen and judgement, understanding the need for efficient services and the impact of operational efficiencies on financial performance, the patient experience and staff motivation and morale

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree level qualification or equivalent experience
• Essential: Post-graduate Masters degree in relevant area
• Essential: Management and Leadership training
• Essential: Innovation, Leadership and Change Management Training
• Desirable: PhD

Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of ethical issues relating to clinical trials/research acquired through experience
• Experience of clinical research, audit, monitoring and inspection in an NHS, academic or commercial environment
• Senior management experience with demonstrable leadership and management experience in a large complex multi-disciplinary healthcare environment.
• Experience of undertaking work requiring intense concentration in unpredictable circumstances with frequent interruptions
• Strong evidence of a collaborative management style coupled with improving quality of service provision at a strategic level
• Evidenced experience of building and sustaining effective and productive working relationships and partnerships with a range of people at an organisational and regional level

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Aastha Chadha, aastha.chadha1@nhs.net

The closing date is 15 November 2026.