Deputy National Referral Centre Manager
Job Summary
The National Referral Centre (NRC) is the primary resource for all tissue donation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We receive approximately 6500 referrals of potential tissue donors for transplant each year.
Working closely with the NRC Matron you will be in a unique position to provide expert leadership to your NRC team and be responsible for the deceased donation programme, providing a world class referral service and providing expert advice. This will ensure an effective link between referring healthcare professionals, NHSBT and donor families.
As a highly visible leader you will be able to lead from the front; ensuring that high quality, safe and effective care is always provided by your team. You will need to juggle management and clinical priorities to allow the smooth running of the team, with a balance of delivery of high performance across operational targets, clinical standards and regulatory compliance.
You will have the time to work alongside your team and act as a role model, demonstrating what it takes to deliver excellent customer care with empathy. You will be able to use your excellent communication skills and clarity of vision to create a culture of continuous improvement.
We will provide a comprehensive training package upon your commencement in the role and support you in achieving your career ambitions.
An informal visit is highly recommended.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for the deceased tissue donor programme activity within the National Referral Centre (NRC), taking the lead and setting standards of practice and care in relation to the donor family. To provide a world class referral service for those referring professionals who are the critical link between the wider healthcare community, NHSBT and the donor family. Your responsibilities will include:-
* Acting as a senior member of the national clinical team and to be recognised as a clinical expert for advice and education nationally
* Planning the strategic development of the NRC in conjunction with the National Referral Centre Manager (NRCM)
* Maintaining an overall view of Tissue Services donation after death programme and ensuring that any problems or issues are reported to the NRCM / Donation Pathway Manager
* Setting own and team targets and create and innovate ways of meeting national targets
* Deputising for the National Referral Centre Matron
* Leading operationally on NRC activity daily, maximising donation opportunities
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice
About You
Experience and Knowledge
* Demonstrates experience of clinical leadership at departmental level.
* Demonstrates experience of planning, implementing and evaluating changes in clinical practice at departmental level.
* Demonstrates an understanding of performance objectives and organisational targets.
* Demonstrates experience of clinical teaching, and mentoring/coaching.
* Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of clinical audit and research.
* Demonstrates involvement in professional development, both personal and of others.
* Demonstrates an awareness of current issues and trends in nursing.
Qualifications and Training
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration (Sub part 1 : RN1/RNA Adult Nurse Level 1) with relevant post-registration experience
* Highly developed post-registration specialist knowledge gained through formal training and experience of Tissue Donation
* Demonstrates commitment to own Continued Professional Development (CPD)
* Willingness to work irregular hours and to travel extensively, including overnight stays when required.
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.
By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What we offer:
* NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
* 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
* NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
* We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Sunday 4th January 2026.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 22nd January 2026 subject to confirmation.
For informal enquiries please contact
Name: Kirstie Johnson
Job Title: National Referral Centre Manager
Contact Details: Kirstie.Johnston@nhsbt.nhs.uk