Advanced Quality Officer (South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology)
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Partnership fully integrates pathology services delivered on behalf of the Partner Trusts within the Integrated Care System (ICS) footprint, including Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
The Pathology Partnership aims to provide the best possible service for patients and clinicians, improving health outcomes, delivering quality and efficiency benefits, and ensuring a sustainable workforce for the long term.
This role is a secondment/acting-up position to the Band 7 Advanced Quality Officer within the SYB Pathology Partnership, based across Barnsley and Rotherham Laboratories.
The post covers maternity leave for 9 months, with an option to extend to 12 months.
Before applying, please ensure you obtain your Line Manager's permission.
Main Duties of the Job
The Advanced Quality Officer is a key member of the SYBP Quality, Risk, and Governance Team, responsible for ensuring the Laboratory's Quality Management System functions correctly.
The responsibilities include:
1. Ensuring the laboratory Quality Management System is designed, implemented, and maintained, becoming more effective and efficient in quality terms, and meeting regulatory and accreditation requirements.
2. Supervising members of the Quality, Risk, and Governance Team, as directed by the Lead.
3. Informing SYBP Management on the functioning, effectiveness, and efficiency of the quality management system.
4. Coordinating awareness of user needs and requirements.
5. Deputising for the SYBP Quality Manager in matters of Accreditation and QMS.
The postholder should possess skills and abilities to promote quality across all laboratory areas, with modern methods of Quality Management and process control being central to effective Pathology services. These are also vital for clinical governance and risk management within SYBP services.
About Us
You will work for an organization that values and respects its staff and the community it serves. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a leader in NHS and research sectors, offering excellent benefits, including professional development opportunities and policies supporting work-life balance.
With a budget of £1.2 billion, over 18,500 employees, five hospital sites, and numerous community settings, the Trust has an excellent reputation for research. We are committed to training, developing, and supporting staff through various academic and leadership qualifications, fostering opportunities across all sites to develop staff and sustain high-quality services.
Job Responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria.
This vacancy is a fixed-term contract for 9 months due to maternity leave. The contract may be reviewed according to the Trust's policies and statutory maternity provisions.
Secondments must be approved by your current line manager.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
* BSc in a science-related subject (e.g., Biomedical Science) or equivalent experience.
* Postgraduate qualification at Master's level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
* Evidence of continual professional development.
* HCPC registration or professional registration in a scientific or quality management field.
* Recognized Quality Management qualification (e.g., IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality Management).
* Quality and/or Risk Management qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience
* Knowledge of a Pathology Hospital environment.
* Experience with laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance (e.g., UKAS, HTA, MHRA).
* Advanced understanding of ISO requirements.
* Experience with Quality Management Systems.
* Training and assessing staff competencies related to QMS functions.
* Experience in administration, managing, and reviewing electronic error and incident records (e.g., Datix).
* Auditing experience (vertical, horizontal, examination, Test witness, H&S) according to accreditation and regulatory standards.
* Previous supervisory experience.
* Report writing and presentation skills.
Skills and Knowledge
* Advanced knowledge of a laboratory discipline.
* Advanced knowledge of quality and risk management systems, including staff training.
* Understanding of HTA, MHRA & HSE regulations, and CQC requirements.
* Proficiency in IT systems and Microsoft Office for data manipulation and reporting.
* Knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
* Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
* Effective training and presentation abilities.
* Strong time management skills with a methodical approach.
* Ability to train and guide staff in QMS and risk matters.
* Planning and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
* Ability to engage staff in quality improvement initiatives.
* Good interpersonal skills.
Personal Qualities
* Good time management and ability to handle complex tasks.
* Enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to improving patient care.
* Flexibility in working practices.
* Commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
* Willingness and ability to travel between sites efficiently.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order). A disclosure check will be required to identify any previous convictions.
Address
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
SYBP Quality Manager - Barnsley and Rotherham
Salary
£46,148 to £52,809 per annum (pro-rata for part-time staff)
Contract Type
Fixed term
Duration
9 months
Working Pattern
Full-time, flexible working, home or remote working options available
Reference Number
190-0221-DIR
Job Locations
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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