HSDU Decontamination Team Leader
Closing date: 30 April 2026
Band: 4 (£28,392 - £31,157 per annum)
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week, Permanent. Early shift 8 am - 4 pm, Late shift 11 am - 7 pm (includes 1 Saturday in 4 and full weekend on‑call rota).
The role includes supervision of technicians and participation in the operational aspects of the department. The unit processes reusable surgical equipment, medical devices and provides a decontamination service to theatres, wards and departments within the hospital.
The department operates 8 am - 7 pm (Mon‑Fri) and 8 am - 4 pm (Sat). An on‑call system runs 4 pm Sat - 8 am Mon, which is part of this role. Hours may vary with the department operating 06:00-20:00.
Applicants should have recent HSDU experience, be familiar with Quality Management Systems, hold an e‑learning qualification in decontamination, and complete an introduction certificate in team leading.
Main duties of the job
* Provide a specialised decontamination of medical devices service contributing to clinical care.
* Perform a full range of decontamination duties.
* Manage decontamination records in own area of work.
* Provide a high‑quality and timely service to all customers.
* Ensure departmental SOPs are adhered to by all Healthcare Science staff.
* Plan own workload and work with minimal supervision.
* Supervise a team in the HSDU Department to achieve objectives.
* Communicate all relevant information within the team to ensure efficient running of the service.
* Direct reprocessing of reusable medical devices: disassembly, cleaning, disinfection, checking, assembly, sterilisation, despatch and tracking.
* Ensure routine testing of decontamination equipment and analyse any malfunction.
* Monitor stocks of raw materials and assist in the evaluation of new products.
* Operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests per Planned Preventative Maintenance schedules, Quality Standards and Guidance.
* Attend quality group meetings, discuss objectives and action plans for improvement.
* Understand the Department’s Quality Policy, Manual and SOPs to maintain high standards.
* Attend staff meetings and mandatory training sessions, contribute constructive suggestions.
* Maintain compliance with statutory and mandatory training.
* Participate in departments audits and audit of data held on decontamination information systems.
* Coordinate, monitor and record trials as requested.
* Provide practical support and training to new or less experienced staff.
* Monitor technicians’ performance and provide support.
* Monitor compliance with dress code and maintenance of the clean working environment.
* Work within the limits of own competence and level of responsibility.
* Prioritise own workload and organise work to meet priorities and reduce risks to quality.
* Report for duty in the event of a major incident or civil unrest.
Qualifications and knowledge
* Knowledge of current guidance and legislative requirements for decontamination.
* 5 GCSEs including Maths & English.
* Basic IT skills.
* Certificate in Decontamination Practices (e‑learning) or equivalent experience.
* NVQ 4/5 (Diploma level or equivalent).
* Knowledge of Decontamination Principles.
* Understanding of ISO 13485 accreditation.
Experience
* Previous experience in Sterile Services / Decontamination (SSD) environment.
* Experience handling delicate equipment.
* Experience working to set timeframes.
* Experience working within decontamination guidelines.
* Previous team leader experience.
Skills
* Leadership with a strong focus on timely delivery of service.
* Ability to develop staff and motivate teamwork.
* Identify staff training needs.
* Work on own initiative and as part of a team.
* Maintain a flexible approach.
* Able to interpret Independent Monitoring System (IMS) results and train others.
* Participate in writing/reviewing SOPs.
Personal and people development
* Ability to instruct and mentor staff.
* Carry out staff Personal Development Plans (PDPs).
Communication
* Strong interpersonal skills.
* Ability to instruct and inform in a clear, concise manner.
* Communicate effectively even under pressure.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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