Background

I have worked at Newcastle University for over 20 years. In January 2018, I was appointed as the Head - Newcastle Joint Reseaerch Office (NJRO) and Deputy Director of Research Strategy and Development (RSD).

 

Prior to this appointment, I was the Faculty Accountant for the Faculty of Medical Sciences. In this role, I gained extensive knowledge and experience of systems working - predominantly between Academia and the NHS - for the benefit of Teaching, Research and Engagement for not only Newcastle, but also society as a whole.

 

As Head - NJRO, I lead a team of Newcastle University (University) and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Trust) professional colleagues who work with researchers to develop, deliver and implement world class clinical research into healthcare practice. I am responsible for sound research governance and regulatory oversight being in place, for both the University and Trust, to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations underpinning clinical research.

 

Proficient in Quality Improvement methodologies and learning from best practice, I regularly review systems, services and processes which undeprin clinical research across the University and the Trust to make the research experience as streamlined as possible. 

 

Adopting a systems leadership approach to clinical research, I strive to ensure that the principles of inclusivity, team science, empowerment, freedom to succeed, collaboration and impact being a measure of success are embedded within the culture and ethos of the team.

 

At a regional level, I work closely with the Academic Health Science Network North East and North Cumbria (AHSN NENC), the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA), National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) infrastructures including the Clinical Research Network, Clinical Research Facility, Biomedical Research Centre, Patient Recruitment Centre and Applied Research Collaboration and the NIHR NHSE/I Academic Health Science Centre - Newcastle Health Innovation Partners. 

 

At a national level, I am a member of the NHS R&D Forum Executive team and am an active member of UKRD.   

Being a fellow of the Newcastle University Policy Academy, I have received support to develop my influencing skills on local and national policy in the areas which have an impact on clinical research.

 

I am a coach and mentor - registered with the University mentoring scheme, an ambassador for Health and Wellbeing, a Just Ask Volunteer and a Mental Health First Aider.

 

I am studying for my MSc in Coaching and Mentoring and have a special interest in how wellbeing, coaching and mentoring can reduce levels of burnout in the workplace.

 

I am a listening volunteer at Tyneside Samaritans and lead for their Outreach.

 

To unwind, I partake in a number of indoor and outdoor activities including spinning, HIIT, boxing, hiking, cycline coasteering and canoeing and also enjoy reading and lifelong learning.

 

@AngelaTopping74