Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity for the new post holders to join the expanding general paediatric Consultant of the Week team.
The Alex is the only dedicated children’s hospital on the South East coast, and as such the role provides the chance to work closely with a wide team of peers, providing tertiary care to children and young people up to the age of 17 years old, living in Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex and East Surrey areas.
All posts are open to working less than full time and there is flexibility in job planning of working days and shifts however all posts must contribute to evenings and weekends and on calls.
We welcome questions, and are happy to arrange visits should you wish to discuss this opportunity further.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant would join a core team of consultants who work on the Consultant of the week (COW) rota.
The role would primarily cover the ward as a consultant of the week model working on a 1 in 12 or 1 in 8 weeks with 1 in 12 weekends covering approximately 29 beds across two clinical ward areas
1: 12 with prospective cover (Category B)
There would be weekly clinics in the non-COW weeks and a commitment with new and follow up patients.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached to the advert for further details of the post.
Person specification
Experience / Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Basic medical degree
2. •MRCPCH or its recognised equivalent.
3. •Full and specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the GMC or be eligible for registration within six months of the interview.
4. •If you trained in the UK, you must also have a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Paediatric or be within six months of receiving it by the interview date.
5. •If you trained outside the UK, you must provide evidence that your qualifications are equivalent to the UK CCT. (Equivalence must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC)
Desirable criteria
6. •Higher Degree
7. •Teaching qualification
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
8. •Understanding of clinical risk management
9. •Paediatric Skills and experience
Desirable criteria
10. •Previous consultant experience
Knowledge
Desirable criteria
11. •Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation and Planning
Essential criteria
12. •Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
13. •Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
14. •Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching Skills
Essential criteria
15. •Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
16. •Recognised teaching qualification
Academic and Research
Essential criteria
17. •Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
18. •Research experience
19. •Publications
20. •Prizes and honours
Career Progression
Essential criteria
21. •Appropriate progression of career to date
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
22. •Evidence of- Good communication skills both oral and written
Additionally
Essential criteria
23. •Good references from relevant sources
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications