Main Duties/ Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Strategic Oversight Provide senior leadership in patient safety, ensuring alignment with Trust objectives and national safety strategies. Lead the development and implementation of the Trusts Patient Safety Strategy and Quality Governance Framework. Serve as a key advisor to the Deputy Chief Nurse and Executive Team on patient safety and clinical governance matters. Represent the Trust in regional and national forums, including NHS Englands Patient Safety Specialist networks. 2. Patient Safety Systems and Culture Oversee the implementation of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), including the Trusts Patient Safety Incident Response Plan (PSIRP). Champion a Just Culture and embed the Trusts CARE values across all departments. Ensure timely dissemination and compliance with National Patient Safety Alerts and Central Alerting System (CAS) notifications. Lead thematic reviews of incidents to identify trends and drive continuous improvement. 3. Governance and Assurance Prepare and present reports to the Patient Safety Board, Executive Management Committee, and Trust sub-committees. Contribute to the Integrated Performance Report, Quality Accounts, and annual governance reports. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including CQC Regulation 20 (Duty of Candour). 4. Training and Development Design and deliver training on patient safety, incident investigation, risk management, and quality improvement methodologies. Ensure staff are trained in the National Patient Safety Syllabus and maintain up-to-date resources on the Trust intranet. Support induction and ongoing education for clinical and non-clinical staff. 5. Operational Management Line manage the Patient Safety and Clinical Governance Team. Manage delegated budgets and ensure optimal resource utilisation. Ensure compliance with staff appraisals, personal development plans, and mandatory training. Investigate and resolve grievances and disciplinary matters in line with Trust policy. 6. Incident Reporting, Inquests, and Claims Management Ensure robust implementation of incident reporting, claims, and inquest management in line with legislation and Trust policy. Monitor incidents, claims, and inquests to identify urgent issues and escalate them appropriately. Provide thematic analysis and reports to support Divisional and Trust-wide learning. Lead the development and review of investigation processes aligned with national best practices. Promote quality improvement methodologies (e.g., PDSA) to enhance safety and reduce the risk of litigation. Support the implementation of Being Open and Duty of Candour processes. Provide compassionate support to staff and patients involved in distressing incidents. Oversee the incident reporting system (e.g., Datix), ensuring it meets organisational needs. Submit data to national systems (e.g., NRLS, StEIS) and monitor trends for learning. Collaborate with NHS Resolution to stay informed on national learning themes. 7. Central Alert System Management Maintain and update policies in line with national safety alert requirements. Coordinate organisational responses to alerts and ensure timely assurance and compliance. Quality assures compliance checklists for Executive approval. 8. Quality Standards Support the Deputy Chief Nurse in coordinating the quality section of the Integrated Performance Report. Contribute to the Quality Accounts and annual governance reports. Prepare and forward-plan the Chief Nurse Safety Brief in collaboration with the Communications Team. Provide expert analysis and reporting on patient safety and litigation matters. Uphold high standards of governance and provide education where needed. 9. Policy and Strategy Development Develop, implement, and review policies related to patient safety, incident management, litigation, and inquests. Contribute to the development of interrelated policies and ensure alignment with national guidance and legislation. Support the Domestic Homicide Review Panel in collaboration with the Safeguarding Team. 10. Management Responsibilities Manage pay and non-pay budgets as delegated by the Deputy Chief Nurse. Ensure compliance with the Trusts Standing Financial Instructions and optimal resource use. Lead and support the Patient Safety and Litigation Teams, ensuring appraisals and training compliance. Investigate and resolve grievances and disciplinary matters in line with Trust policy. Undertake investigations for the People Directorate as required. Appropriately manage sensitive and contentious information. Represent the department at strategic Trust groups and committees. Provide expert guidance to the Deputy Chief Nurse on patient safety matters. 11. Freedom to Act Operate independently within delegated authority from the Deputy Chief Nurse. Exercise discretion in escalating significant or sensitive issues. Recognise personal limitations and seek support when necessary. 12. Personal and Professional Development Engage in ongoing personal and professional development, including appraisal and objective setting. Reflect on and maintain both theoretical and practical expertise. Additional Information Confidentiality: Adhere to the Data Protection Act 2018 and Trust policies. Health & Safety: Comply with statutory and departmental safety regulations. Equality & Diversity: Promote a non judgmental, inclusive service. Safeguarding: Complete mandatory training and adhere to safeguarding policies. Information Governance: Maintain accurate, secure, and accessible records. Travel: May be required to travel across Trust sites.