Lived Lead Researcher

Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 23 February 2026

This is a Band 5 Lived Experience Lead Researcher post for a Welcome Trust funded study, Slo Mo
2. Slo Mo is a digitally supported, cognitive-behavioural therapy for psychosis that improves fear of harm from others (or paranoia). Slo Mo has been developed in close collaboration with people with lived experience of paranoia in psychosis. It works by targeting fast thinking habits and encouraging slow thinking, supporting people to find ways of feeling safer and living well.

The role is a key one in the Slo Mo project team. The postholder will support the recruitment, data collection and analysis of interviews with participants about their experience of receiving Slo Mo therapy. They will support the sustainable roll‑out of Slo Mo across the Trust. They will work with the local Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) group and help shape PPI across the study locally.

They will join a friendly study team and will be line managed by the Local Slo Mo Therapy Lead and supported by the local Slo Mo Research Assistant Psychologist. There will be close working with the national Slo Mo Trial Coordinator, peer researchers at the other NHS sites and mentorship from the PPI Lead for the whole study.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

• Support participants informed consent
• Conduct interviews with participants about their experience of receiving Slo Mo
• Transcribe participant interviews
• Collaborate with the research team to analyse interview transcripts
• Monitor and record research activities
• Collaborate with the research team to promote Slo Mo in the NHS
• Support Patient and Public Involvement and public engagement with the Slo Mo study
• Be involved in supervision, training and learning around the Slo Mo study
• Effectively use supervision and contribute to team meetings
• Carry out other duties as agreed with the team

• Lived experience of psychosis.
• Experience of receiving mental health services for people with psychosis.
• Experience of analysing and writing‑up qualitative (e.g. interview) research studies.
• Experience of, or feeling comfortable with, talking about lived experience with peers and colleagues.
• Experience of conducting research interviews with people with lived experience of psychosis.
• Experience of blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or any other public engagement activities that have promoted research through PPI.
• Experience of delivering training and presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities.

• First‑hand knowledge of the problems experienced by and the needs of people experiencing psychosis.
• Knowledge of PPI and co‑production.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex information to clients, families, and colleagues.
• Skills to support people who may be distressed and vulnerable, and manage risk appropriately, with support from supervisor.
• Ability to design and deliver training packages

• Experience of managing own workload.
• Ability to work effectively with a team and independently, including recognition of strengths and limitations, seeking advice when needed.
• Pro‑active and experienced at meeting targets.
• Understanding of the impact the nature of a lived experience role can have on an own wellbeing.

• Confidence in own ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Friendly, outgoing, approachable, caring, responsible and positive approach.
• Motivated,…