Job overview
Are you a Diagnostic Radiography student or apprentice graduating in 2026 or a Band 5 Radiographer looking for a change?
Come and join our busy and expanding team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital NHS Trust. We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly colleagues to join the department who are dedicated to ensuring patients receive the best possible care.
The department is a friendly and supportive environment that provides its staff with the opportunity to succeed in their goals; we are committed to supporting CPD and encourage role development. All sites are busy diagnostic hubs delivering high-quality imaging for an acute Trust.
A post has become available based at Maidstone Hospital. We provide imaging services over seven days across both our hospitals and at our Community Diagnostic Hub, based in Maidstone.
Main duties of the job
We have a comprehensive Induction, Probation and Preceptorship Programme, which is linked to a competency-based structure throughout the departments; this is an ideal supportive environment for new radiographers entering the profession or those wishing to return to the profession. (Before starting as a Radiographer, there is an option for students waiting for their HCPC number to start as an Assistant Practitioner; please ask at the interview.) Once probation has been completed, you will be enrolled on our preceptorship pathway, giving you the skills and experience to become a B6 radiographer.
All band 5 Radiographers are supported to rotate through ED, theatre and General X-ray and CT. To facilitate this, you will receive IV cannulation and PGD training.
The Band 5 role requires a commitment to the department's out-of-hours responsibilities; this will include a comprehensive shift pattern across 7 days, nights, and weekends.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s AHP Induction Programme.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date, so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Ability to deliver good general radiographic skills and patient care
6. Ability to use professional judgement to obtain the optimum outcomes for patients, whilst working within protocol constraints
Desirable criteria
7. Manage own work and time so as to accommodate changes in workload and provide an optimum service
8. To supervise and mentor apprentice and student radiographers
Experience / Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. To have recent clinical experience in an NHS hospital, or equivalent (either as a student or qualified radiographer).
10. A sound knowledge of departmental/other hospital protocols and practices
11. Ability to receive and analyse sensitive/ contentious, complex, information and respond in a rapid and appropriate fashion
12. Decision making skills
13. Ability to rapidly assess patient personality and respond appropriately
Desirable criteria
14. Experience of working out of hours during training or when qualified.
15. Local knowledge within the Trust
16. Ability to liaise with staff internal and external to the department to aid high quality service delivery.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
17. Diagnostic Radiography BSc or equivalent
18. HCPC Registration
19. CPD portfolio evidence
Desirable criteria
20. IV cannulation course.