Overview
Are you passionate about patient safety and quality improvement? We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and visible leader to join our Trust as the Head of Patient Safety (Patient Safety Specialist). This is a senior role, providing expert support and leadership to drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement across all our services. You will play a pivotal role in developing and embedding patient safety systems, supporting the executive team, and ensuring that the patient is at the centre of all safety activity. Working closely with the Deputy Director of Nursing, you will help align patient safety responsibilities across the Trust and support the implementation of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy.
The role will involve a blend of agile working and on-site presence. While some flexibility in working arrangements will be supported, the post holder will be required to attend in person on a regular basis. This will include working from a range of bases as required by the role.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert leadership and oversight for patient safety, including systems-based investigations and improvement programmes.
* Develop and deliver the Trust's patient safety strategy, ensuring alignment with national policy and regulatory requirements.
* Lead and support the Patient Safety Team, fostering a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement.
* Advise the Board and executive team on patient safety issues, risks, and improvement approaches.
* Oversee the response to National Patient Safety Alerts and ensure robust systems for compliance.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including regional and national patient safety networks.
* Design and deliver multi-professional patient safety training and support the implementation of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF).
* Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, patients, carers, and partners.
* Deputise for the Deputy Director of Nursing as required.
When and How to Apply
Closing Date: 30th October 2025
Shortlisting Date: 31st October 2025
Interview Date: 7th November 2025
About us and Values
Everything we do is underpinned by our core values:
* We Care - We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference
* We Listen - We understand people's views and respond to their individual needs
* We Deliver - We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners
We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including:
* Increase mileage rates for > 3500
* A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages
* A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities
* Plus many more.
We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT) is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.
Please note: The Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Master's Degree level in a relevant subject, or an equivalent level professional qualification or equivalent senior-level experience
* Evidence of strong and recent commitment to relevant ongoing professional development
* Registered Healthcare Professional and/or significant relevant experience of working alongside and influencing the practice of senior clinicians
Desirable
* Post-graduate patient safety qualification or previous experience
* Quality improvement qualification or previous experience
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* Knowledge and experience of developments in patient safety science, including human factors, systems thinking, investigation, quality improvement, change management, risk analysis and management, error theory and just culture
* Knowledge and experience of driving improvement in the quality and safety of patients
* Specialist knowledge aligned with the national patient safety syllabus and NHS Patient Safety Strategy
* Experience of working in a patient safety related role for at least two years
Desirable
* Experience of chairing committees and/or leading project/working groups
* Knowledge of safeguarding and NHS legal duties
* Experience implementing national guidelines and policies and advising on their implementation
* Experience deputising for senior management
Right to Work and Registration
Right to Work in the UK
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. You must maintain the legal right to work throughout employment. If sponsorship is not eligible, the Trust may not extend employment beyond visa expiry. You must promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes to your right-to-work status.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Disclosure and DBS
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the DBS may be required.
Employer Details
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust
New Mill
Bradford
BD18 3LD
Employer's website: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/current-vacancies/ (Opens in a new tab)
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