Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Candidate Information Pack

Appointment of:

Chief Operating Officer - Academic Health Science

Centre

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health

Science Centre

National Institute for Health Research – NHS

England/Improvement

Newcastle Health Innovation Partners

The role - what is an Academic Health Science Centre

An Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) is the government's description of the research and

healthcare structure adopted by many of the world's leading academic institutions and hospitals.

Based on breaking down barriers and increasing cooperation and focus, AHSCs seek to combine basic

and translational health research, clinical care and education to create world-leading improvements

in health and social care.

Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP) has been designated an NIHR-NHSE/I Academic Health

Science Centre for five years from 1 April 2020. Comprising Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon

Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation

Trust, Newcastle City Council and the Academic Health Science Network-North East and North

Cumbria, our aim is to deliver a step-change improvement in the health, wealth and wellbeing of a

population of 3.2 million people in the North East of England and North Cumbria . NHIP will direct,

influence, lobby and encourage positive outcomes with partner organisations to effect change, within

a whole system approach across the public sector that promotes learning / action across the life

course, in partnership with local authority and NHS colleagues.

The health challenges faced by our region make this designation particularly important so that we can

bring our population to levels of health enjoyed by the rest of the UK. AHSCs are intended to speed

up the time it takes the healthcare system to access new and better quality treatments and approaches

to improving health through the unique partnership between researchers and health and social care

staff working to deliver high quality care.

You will be responsible to the Director of NHIP and, via the Director, to the NHIP Strategy Board

Members. This is a full time post, tenable for 5 years (with any extension dependent upon re-

designation of the Academic Health Science Centre).

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Key Accountabilities

Leadership and Strategy

To work with the AHSC Director (Professor David Burn, Newcastle University) to ensure that the AHSC delivers against its aims and objectives, on behalf of its partner organisations.

To work with the AHSC Director to develop and drive the strategic direction of the AHSC, providing day-to-day leadership and management.

To build strong and collegiate relationships between partner organisations founded on transparency, openness, mutual respect and trust, and values the contribution of all Strategy Board members.

To build strong connectivity and functionality between the AHSC Board and its constituent executives that report into the Strategy Board (see Appendix below).

To develop and maintain effective and proactive working relationships with the agencies to which the AHSC reports, namely the National Institute for Health Research and NHS England / Improvement.

To develop and maintain strategic networks that will be of benefit to the AHSC.

To represent the interests of Newcastle Health Innovation Partners in national and international meetings and other fora, including other AHSCs, NIHR, NHSE/I (including the Accelerated Access Collaborative), and “third strand” organisations (e.g. with the life sciences industry).

To provide independent judgement and advice on issues of strategy, vision, performance, resources and standards of conduct and constructively challenge, influence and assist the Director and Strategy Board in developing proposals on such strategies.

Working with the AHSC Director in pro-actively managing major Strategy Board decisions and their development, ensuring that due process is applied at all stages of decision-making and full consideration has been given to all options.

To be aware of, understand and, where required, influence, relevant regulatory and central Government policies.

Horizon scan nationally and internationally to benchmark and bring best practice to the AHSC.

Ensure, in conjunction with the Director and relevant members of the AHSC Strategy Board, that Strategy Board processes are maintained, clear actions and responsibilities are identified, and Strategy Board business is conducted appropriately and efficiently.

Governance

Ensure that governance, executive function and use of the resources of Newcastle Health Innovation Partners are consistent with meeting the objectives of its constituent partner organisations.

Bring independent judgment and experience based on NHS, University, local authority, commercial, financial, legal or governance expertise from outside of the AHSC and apply this to the benefit of the AHSC, and the wider health and care community.

Working alongside the Director in providing leadership and strong governance to the Board.

Work with the Director and Strategy Board to establish and uphold the values and standards of the AHSC.

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Communication and Relationships

Develop a constructive, frank and open relationship with the AHSC Director and Strategy Board members and Executive Committees via regular communication and contact, as well as providing support and advice while respecting executive responsibility.

Take an active part in other committees established by the Board in order to exercise delegated responsibilities (e.g. research and innovation, education and workforce planning).

Lead on the consideration of correspondence (such as requests for contributions to policy reviews) received from partner organisations, outside agencies, statutory and professional bodies and Government Departments.

Act as an ambassador, represent and actively promote the AHSC and build up strong partnerships with members, affiliated organisations, the public, investors and national bodies.

Operational

Establish and manage processes and reporting that ensure the AHSC fulfills the conditions of its designation by NIHR and NHSE/I.

Oversee the preparation of AHSC Board minutes/reports for the CEOs of the respective partner organizations (see Appendix below that shows the different partnership boards to which the AHSC will report).

Oversee the organization and function of the International Advisory Group, which will operate in an advisory capacity on the strategic direction and performance of the AHSC.

Manage the day-to-day business of the AHSC, working closely with the AHSC Director and the leads of the respective partnership executives (research & innovation; education & training; people planning) that report to the strategy board.

Ensure that the AHSC develops and implements a system of performance management and reporting that drives the work of the AHSC in its key areas of activity.

Lead an effective and ongoing communications and engagement programme that reaches out to all those with an interest in the success of the AHSC.

To be effective the COO will need to:

Have an understanding of the NHS, Higher Education Sector, Life Sciences Industry and Health, Care and Public Health services within the broader local government context.

Become well informed about the work, and develop a good knowledge, of issues relevant to the AHSC.

Continually seek to develop and refresh knowledge and skills to ensure that their contribution remains informed and relevant.

Vision and Values

The COO has a responsibility for promoting the vision, values and goals of the AHSC through

appropriate and visible leadership behaviours and actions. They will have a particular responsibility to:

Uphold the highest of ethical standards of integrity and probity.

Create a culture of listening, openness, constructive challenge and support.

Act with integrity, objectivity, honesty and openness.

Be a champion for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct as stated in the Nolan principles of standards of conduct in public life.

Be an ambassador for the AHSC.

This job description identifies key responsibilities of the post. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and

is subject to amendment as necessary, in consultation with the post holder.

Appendix

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Up to date knowledge of key management and business development techniques.

Experience of the complexities of health and social care integration, public health and the prevention agenda.

Proven track record of outstanding performance in a previous complex stakeholder environment.

Demonstrable competency in strategic planning.

Outstanding organisational, interpersonal, leadership and time management skills.

Aptitude in sound decision-making and problem-solving in pressure situations.

Understanding of financial management and planning.

Experience of working with senior management from a range of disciplines and across partner organisations.

Line management experience (e.g. recruitment, appraisals, performance development).

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Prior experience of having collaborated with the higher education sector, particularly from a technical standpoint and with local government.

Experience of managing and leading project and change.

Attributes and Behaviour

Strong interpersonal leadership skills with the ability to coach and mentor effectively.

Promotes and actively drives change within own area and across the organisation.

High drive and initiative, able to demonstrate professional resilience.

Exceptional interpersonal, communication and influencing skills able to operate and influence at the highest levels of industrial management.

Politically astute and sensitive to the priorities and dynamics of an academically led organisation.

Strong track record and desire in working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across the organisation.

Qualifications

Educated to degree standard

Key Terms & Conditions

This is a full time post, tenable for 5 years (with any extension dependent upon re-designation of the Academic Health Science Centre), subject to probationary review after 1 year. You will be employed by Newcastle University. Salary will be on the Newcastle University pay scale and will be competitive and appropriate to the experience of the post-holder.

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

Living and Working in Newcastle

Newcastle is the cosmopolitan capital of the North East of England. Over the past 20 years, a cultural

regeneration has changed the area beyond recognition, creating a stunning cityscape and a special

place that rewards people who choose to visit, live, work, study and invest here.

Today, Newcastle is a modern, compact and culturally vibrant European city with a strong identity. The

city centre is easy to get around and offers excellent shopping, restaurants, museums, galleries and

cinemas. The city centre is renowned for its stunning architecture with many fine buildings and streets

including Grey Street, described by renowned architectural historian, Nikolaus Pevsner, as ‘one of the

finest streets in England’. Once a busy industrial and commercial dockside, Newcastle’s Quayside is

now packed with cafés, bars and restaurants from which to enjoy views of the River Tyne and its

bridges.

Neighbouring Gateshead, on the south bank of the Tyne, is now famed for its contemporary culture

and iconic structures, including BALTIC, converted from a landmark industrial building in the 1990s and

now a major international centre for contemporary art, the Sage Gateshead concert venue occupying

a curved glass and steel building designed by Norman Foster, the Stirling Prize – winning Gateshead

Millennium Bridge and Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North.

Sports fans are spoilt for choice in Newcastle, with regular top flight football, rugby and basketball

fixtures taking place in the city. Gateshead Stadium brings international athletics to the region, while

the world-class Durham International Cricket Ground plays host to county, one-day international,

Twenty20 and Test matches. Nearby, Close House golf resort is listed among the UK’s top 100 golf

courses and, every year, the world’s largest half marathon, the Great North Run, attracts some 57,000

participants and many thousands more spectators.

The region is steeped in history. The Northumberland coast and its historic castles, designated as an

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are only 30 minutes’ drive to the north, while to the west lies

Hadrian’s Wall world heritage site. South of the city is County Durham where the ancient City of

Durham is complemented by a heritage coastline and rural towns and villages.

Exceptional transport links connect the city and region to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.

Newcastle International Airport is just over 20 minutes from the city centre by car or public transport,

from where there are direct flights to and from London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Dubai, Amsterdam,

Brussels, Dublin, Paris, New York and over 65 other destinations around Europe, together with

frequent flights to most major domestic hubs. The East Coast mainline provides direct access to

London by train in less than three hours and Edinburgh in just over an hour, with trains running

approximately every 30 minutes. The A1(M) motorway links the area to London, Edinburgh and other

major UK cities.

Getting around Newcastle on foot or by public transport is much easier than in many other urban

centres. The modern, integrated transport system includes an extensive network of local buses and

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

the Metro which connects the airport, city centre, coast and Sunderland. Services are reliable and good

value and make commuting extremely easy.

Our region is one of the best value places to live in the UK based on the average cost of living, and

property is significantly more affordable than in many other parts of the country. From carefully

restored Victorian terraces to contemporary city-centre apartments, semi-rural locations to a seafront

home, the region offers a wealth of choice in accommodation.

Newcastle’s hospitals have an international reputation for excellence in health care, and the University

works in close partnership with the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Our National Health

services are some of the best in the country, and our hospitals – including the Royal Victoria Infirmary

and the Freeman and Queen Elizabeth hospitals – are also significant employers.

Education here also has a strong reputation, with a choice of excellent state and private schools,

several FE colleges and of course world-class higher education provision.

Employee Benefits

Newcastle University is committed to providing a great range of benefits and discounts for our staff

and includes:

• Excellent pension schemes (e.g. USS, NHS).

• Excellent salary sacrifice schemes, cycle to work scheme and pensions.

• Generous annual leave of up to six weeks per year in addition to a Christmas closure period. You also

have the opportunity to purchase a further two weeks additional leave per year.

• Family friendly leave policies, a staff volunteering scheme and career break scheme.

• NCL Rewards which offers nearly 6,000 discounts at national retailers, holiday providers, cinemas,

leisure attractions and much more.

• Webstore – offering discounts on local sports tickets, theatre shows and other attractions.

• Discounted regional travel scheme including bus, metro and rail.

• On-site Sports Centre and Library.

More detailed information at www.ncl.ac.uk/hr/

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to academic excellence, equality of opportunity, valuing individual differences and

the diversity this brings. We aim to develop a fully inclusive University community which recruits and

retains staff and students from all sectors of society, that they can be developed within a positive and

supportive culture and encouraged to flourish and reach their potential.

Candidate Information Pack 4809 - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science Centre

These fundamental values are central to ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness

and respect. The fostering and promotion of good relations and understanding between and among

staff and students, irrespective of identity or background, is expected of everyone that works or

studies at the University. By fully embracing equality and diversity, the University is better able to

engage with our customers, respond to new and evolving business challenges and create better

working environments for staff.

Athena SWAN We are the proud recipients of an institutional silver Athena SWAN award, demonstrating our

achievements and ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality. We value diversity at Newcastle

University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to Apply

We now invite applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Academic Health Science

Centre. Applications should consist of a full CV and a covering letter, of up to two sides of A4 paper,

addressing the essential requirements for the position.

For an informal conversation regarding the role, please contact Professor David Burn – Pro-Vice

Chancellor, Faculty of Medical Sciences at anne-marie.burke@newcastle.ac.uk

Appointment Timetable

Opening Date: 02.06.2020

Closing Date: 16.06.2020

Formal Interviews 06.07.2020

An artist’s impression of the new £50m headquarters for our

National Innovation Centres, currently under construction on

Newcastle Helix.