Approvals Administrator

Job Summary

We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Health Research Authority for an enthusiastic and organised individual. The role will support the Approvals Specialist in the processing of research applications, issuing standard communications and providing procedural advice to applicants. The post-holder will support the tracking of studies to deliver a coordinated service to applicants. They will support the administration of Research Ethics Committee meetings and record discussions and decisions by sub-committees.

The post-holder will be part of a wider team which will ensure that appropriate reviews have been completed and recorded in line with agreed processes in order to inform decisions of sites on the viability of the study locally.

Applicants should be educated to high level secondary education or have passed or be working towards NVQ3 in a relevant field, or equivalent, plus relevant practical experience.

• Understand the HRA role and remit.
• Knowledge of a range of administrative practices and procedures.
• Evidence of practical experience at a similar level.
• Well‑developed knowledge and expertise of operating systems within the NHS or similar field.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty.
• Experience of taking minutes and working with people at all levels in an organisation and meeting tight deadlines.

Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services.

We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you. Please note, if applying to our Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.

Date posted: 29 December 2025

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band:
Band 4

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number: 980-HRA
7652633-B

Job location:

Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN

• Delivering HRA Approval
• Supporting the Confidentiality Advisory Group and advising on the use of confidential patient information without consent
• Working to refine the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift, robust and simple experience
• Providing guidance to applicants
• Providing training
• Working collaboratively with external partners to improve the research environment

We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. CVs will not be considered. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Essential Qualifications

• Significant demonstrable and relevant experience in an administrative focused role equivalent to A-Level or NVQ3 in administration

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

• Knowledge of a range of administrative practices and procedures and advanced use of all MS Office packages, e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet and Outlook to support these processes
• Excel…