Job overview

An exciting interim opportunity has arisen within the NHS East and Southeast London Pathology Partnership (ESEL). We are seeking a driven, proactive, and dynamic leaders to take on the role of Essential Services Laboratory, Operational Lead (ESL Operational Lead). The successful candidates will either be sited at ST Bartholomew’s Hospital on appointment, for a period of 12 months to cover maternity.

The ESL Operational Lead’s key role is the oversight and management of key the Haematology, Biochemistry, Point of Care and Blood Transfusion departments of each site. The management will include, but not be exclusive to, day to day management of the workload, management of the staff and skill mix, management of equipment, management of safety systems, management of quality assurance/quality improvement, management of incidents and management of change. There will be support for this role from the experienced on-site scientists within each discipline, as well as the other ESL site Operational leads, Transfusion Practitioner Team, Quality Team and the Scientific Leads for each discipline within the partnership.

Proposed interview date:31/01/2025

Main duties of the job

The successful Band 8a candidate is expected to work primarily at the St Bartholomews Hospital, but the role may involve rotation and support to other the sites, reflecting service demand.

Current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist AND a holder of a Fellowship, MSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification at MSc level is essential.

Compliance to these criteria is mandatory and must be clearly recorded on application.

 The successful candidate will be joining a team of forward thinking and innovative leaders within the Partnership and will be supported and focused on the delivery of a high-quality service for one of the largest NHS laboratory networks in the UK. The ESEL partnership currently has several ground-breaking quality initiatives and improvement projects on-going. The successful candidate will be actively encouraged to participate in these initiatives and projects as part of our ongoing commitment to continued personal development and our WeCare values.

Working for our organisation

The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health. 

The Pathology Partnership is based on well-established models for pathology networks, with the Royal London Hospital becoming the main hub laboratory for the network and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at all other Hospital sites.

Pathology is made up of the following services - Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry; Infectious Diseases including Microbiology and Virology; Cellular Pathology including Histopathology, non-gynae Cytology and mortuary services; Immunology; Cytogenetics and Molecular Haematology; Immunophenotyping; Clinical Transplantation and Retinoblastoma.

The 2020/21 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £126m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 822 WTE. We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment. 

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within Barts Health at this band

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Although this position is a 12 months fixed-term contract, the actual contract duration will be adjusted to account for the time taken to advertise the post, complete the hiring process, and finalise pre-employment checks. This means the contract will begin when the candidate starts the role and may be slightly shorter than 12 months.”

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below. 

For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact

Dr Patricia Richards, Blood Transfusion Scientific Lead – Telephone on 020 324 60440 or email

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

Extensive experience post HCPC registration in a relevant scientific discipline with substantive experience at a specialist senior level Experience of effectively managing multi-disciplinary staff group, including HR issues

Desirable criteria

Experience of business planning, preparing capital bids, and bids for resources to extend the service when required. Experience of audit in evaluating and developing a service Experience of managing a budget. Experience of large automation systems including software/interfacing systems

Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex data/results/concepts. Intermediate computer skills, good knowledge of a word processing & spreadsheet packages Ability to lead, organise and manage staff in a large and complex laboratory Ability to initiate and implement change

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Knowledge of management of quality within the laboratory including working knowledge and experience of MHRA and ISO15189. Knowledge of current requirements for training and career progression. Knowledge of H&S legislation and procedures Knowledge of evidence based practices in change management

Qualifications

Essential criteria

MSc. Biomedical Science or IBMS Special Examination (Fellowship) Registration with the Health Care Professions Council Evidence of participation in mandatory courses and CPD

Desirable criteria

BBTS Specialist Certificate Evidence of management and leadership training

Other

Essential criteria

Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills suitable for a range of audiences, including chairing of meetings Able to encourage others in being innovative in finding ways of improving the quality of services

Other

Essential criteria

Lead by example, promoting the highest standards of personal and professional conduct and integrity High level of work organisation, self-motivation, drive for performance and improvement, and flexibility in approach and attitude Committed to the continuous development of staff and self Commitment to developing a culture of openness, engagement and partnership

Skills

Essential criteria

Able to prioritise, organise and delegate To have effective problem solving skills

Desirable criteria

Decisive, using sound judgement in decision making and delivering in a timely and confident manner