Job overview
Under the direction of the Head of governance and quality the post holder will:
Be responsible for providing expertise, advice and practical support and reporting to the Head of governance and quality to coordinate a portfolio of specific audit projects which may arise from National/Regional/Trust/Local priorities and from Risk issues.
Ensure the development and dissemination of the clinical guidelines and audit quality improvement strategy and will work with agreed clinical services, specialities and professional groups to develop; plan, guide, support and report on related activities. The post holder will ensure the highest standards of quality are maintained.
Ensure clinical quality, clinical effectiveness and priorities for improving patient clinical outcomes remain one of the top priorities within the clinical area and department and shall facilitate and support the adoption of this culture.
Coordinate the guideline development and implementation programme across the division and maintain a robust audit trail
Ensure staff are actively involved in the Trust’s vision to have a proactive rather than a reactive approach to quality and safety management across the organisation.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work closely with the Head of Governance and Quality, Consultant Midwife, operational and corporate teams, and staff at all levels, both independently and collaboratively. They will coordinate the development and implementation of multi-professional clinical audit, service evaluation, and effectiveness initiatives across the division, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s overarching audit programme. Responsibilities include liaising with clinical leads and national bodies, supporting staff in designing and conducting audits, analysing and disseminating findings, and facilitating implementation of improvements. The post holder will provide specialist advice and training on clinical audit and quality improvement, ensure compliance with national standards (NICE, CQC, HQIP), support guideline development and implementation, and maintain robust records and databases. They will monitor divisional audit and guideline activity, provide regular reports to governance boards, and escalate risks or anomalies. The role requires participation in research, service development, and continuous professional development, while demonstrating flexibility, organisational skills, and adherence to Trust policies and values. The post holder may also provide clinical care as required, co-chair guideline meetings, and contribute to Trust-wide quality and safety initiatives.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will provide expert support for clinical audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement across the division, working closely with the Head of Governance and Quality, Consultant Midwife, operational teams, and staff at all levels. They will coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of divisional audit programmes, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities, national guidance (NICE, HQIP, CQC), and best practice. This includes supporting clinical teams in designing, conducting, and analysing audits, interpreting findings, and facilitating improvements. They will liaise with national bodies, maintain project databases, produce reports, and provide recommendations to the Consultant Midwife and divisional boards. The role involves supporting guideline development and implementation, maintaining audit trails, co-chairing guideline meetings, and providing quarterly updates to the divisional quality and safety board. The post holder will deliver training and specialist advice on audit and quality improvement methodologies, identify risks or anomalies in practice, and contribute to evidence for compliance and Quality Accounts. They will support research, service development, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring clinical governance is embedded across services. The post holder will maintain accurate records, participate in governance meetings, uphold professional standards, and provide clinical support as required, demonstrating flexibility, organisational skills, and adherence to Trust policies and values.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered Midwife
2. Educated to Degree level
Desirable criteria
3. Qualifications in audit and effectiveness or relevant experience
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Experience working in relevant field
5. Experience working in an environment with conflicting pressures and changing workload
6. Experience of working within a team and of developing good working relationships with internal and external staff at all levels
7. Experience of guideline development
Desirable criteria
8. Experience of change management initiatives
9. Experience of managing staff
Knowledge
Essential criteria
10. Demonstration and application of audits / coordinating and undertaking audits
11. In depth knowledge of midwifery
12. Current issues in heath service, profession, and evidence based knowledge in all matters impacting on midwifery practice
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Computer literate with experience of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and excellent and accurate typing skills
14. Robust organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet tight timescales
15. Leadership skills and ability to motivate others
Desirable criteria
16. Ability to articulate strategic vision
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.