County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Main Department Lead Radiographer
The closing date is 01 May 2026
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000 people. We are a high performing organization with a track record of success.
We are looking for a dynamic Lead Radiographer to take charge of one of our imaging sections and help shape the future of radiology services. This is more than a clinical role; it is a leadership opportunity where your expertise, ideas, and influence will directly impact service quality, patient outcomes, and departmental strategy.
The successful applicant will be based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, with responsibility for two other community sites, and is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust.
We seek candidates with a minimum of 5 years post‑qualification experience and evidence of this.
Main duties of the job
Work closely with all associated radiology staff and liaise with service users to promote an efficient service, ensuring patient care is at the forefront of clinical priorities.
* Undertake and coordinate staff appraisals, management, and recruitment.
* Plan and initiate more efficient work practices to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
* Maintain high professional and technical standards, adhering to good practice of radiographic technique and radiation protection standards.
* Utilise complex equipment to produce high‑quality radiographic images and maintain quality assurance protocols.
* Oversee IRMER related tasks, maintaining organisation, consistency and forward planning of audit activity.
Job responsibilities
What You’ll Be Doing
* Manage day‑to‑day operations of your imaging section, ensuring smooth workflow, high standards, and responsive service delivery.
* Work within professional codes and guidelines to uphold the highest technical standards, shaping policies and practices alongside the Radiology Manager and Clinical Director.
* Liaise with clinical teams inside and outside the department to ensure seamless, patient‑centred care.
* Communicate complex instructions to patients and carers, adapting techniques for those with serious injuries or life‑limiting conditions.
* Lead the IRMER agenda, oversee radiation safety and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.
* Maintain health and safety within the department and keep all policies and procedures up to date.
* Supervise radiographers, assistants and students, delivering training, mentorship and appraisals.
* Propose and implement new policies, refine protocols and lead clinical governance initiatives.
* Engage in CPD and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in radiology.
What You’ll Bring
* A passion for patient care and clinical excellence.
* Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
* Strong communication and decision‑making skills.
* A proactive approach to service improvement and innovation.
* Commitment to safety, quality and professional development.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership or equivalent.
* Forensic postgraduate certificate.
* RPS Training.
Statutory Registration
* HCPC registration.
Experience
* Minimum of 5 years post‑graduation experience.
* Previous experience in a leadership role.
* Management of staff attendance/wellbeing.
* Training and development of staff.
* Project management.
* Clinical risk management.
* Teaching/mentoring skills.
* Audit, benchmarking and quality assurance.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Organisational skills.
* Keeping calm under pressure.
* Effective communication.
* Advanced IT skills.
* Empathy.
* Responds well to change.
* Supports continuous professional development.
* Accountable.
* Awareness of NHS targets and waiting times.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under‑represented.
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