Clinical Lead

/ Position: Clinical Lead / Location: Bristol / Working Hours: Full-Time, 40 Hours per week We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Clinical Base Manager to lead our Bristol medical operations within our international air ambulance service. This role will be joining our Medical Department which lies within Gama’s Special Mission Business Unit. The Department is responsible for the delivery of safe, effective patient care within the aeromedical transportation sector. We have two operational bases: Bristol and Bournemouth, each with a team of clinicians delivering high-quality care for our patients. Based at Bristol Air Ambulance Base, with regular travel to Bournemouth and occasional international travel, this pivotal role combines hands‑on clinical duties with leadership, operational oversight, and regulatory responsibility. The successful candidate will manage a team of Clinical Coordinators, oversee day‑to‑day clinical operations, ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards as the Responsible Manager, and contribute to the safe, effective, and compassionate delivery of international medical repatriation missions via fixed‑wing aircraft. Gama clinical staff work closely with a number of groups, including patients, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, clients such as insurance companies and other Gama functions, such as pilots and operations. As part of this role, the successful candidate will participate in clinical flying duties and coordination of shifts as part of rostered responsibilities, as well as elements of on‑call and weekend working within a rota of clinical staff, according to the needs of the service. Gama Aviation is a hugely diverse business that offers much more than perhaps its name would suggest. Yes, we fly but we also save lives, provide mission critical intelligence, and build systems that deliver decisive advantage. With operations in the UK, Jersey, Europe and the Middle East, a career with us can offer travel, personal growth opportunities and the ability for long‑term progression in a fast paced and dynamic service industry. Responsibilities Leadership and Management Lead, manage, and support the team of Clinical Coordinators at the Bristol base. Provide clinical and operational oversight to ensure high standards of patient care and service delivery. Oversee day‑to‑day base operations from a clinical perspective, ensuring readiness for missions and maintaining a safe and compliant working environment. Act as the CQC Responsible Manager for the Bristol base, ensuring all clinical activities meet CQC standards and internal quality requirements. Collaborate closely with the Clinical Services Manager (Bournemouth) to ensure consistency and alignment of clinical practices, protocols, and governance across both bases. Support recruitment, induction, training and ongoing professional development of clinical staff, including permanent and ‘bank’ staff. Any other reasonable tasks requested by the Medical Director or Clinical Services Manager, according to the needs of the service. Operational and Clinical Duties Participate in international air ambulance and medical repatriation missions aboard fixed‑wing aircraft as part of the clinical flight team. This will entail working away from home on missions from time‑to‑time according to the needs of the service. Undertake clinical coordination duties, ensuring effective case management, communication and logistical planning of repatriation missions. Liaise with the Medical Director, flight crews and operations teams to coordinate medical and operational aspects of each mission. Ensure all missions are conducted safely, efficiently and in accordance with company policies and clinical governance standards. Remain clinically current in intensive care nursing by undertaking at least one day per month working in a critical care environment. Ensure the ongoing quality, suitability and serviceability of all medical equipment and consumables used on air ambulance missions. Have a willingness to travel to Bournemouth Base from time‑to‑time as per the needs of the service, including some elements of cross‑cover when the Clinical Services Manager is away. Governance and Compliance Maintain oversight of all clinical documentation, audits and quality improvement initiatives for the Bristol base. Ensure all staff are compliant with relevant training, certification and clinical competencies. Contribute to policy development, risk management and continuous improvement processes. Ensure effective medicines management at the Bristol Base, including regulatory compliance with the Home Office for the storage and use of controlled drugs. Represent the organisation in external audits and inspections of the Bristol Base, such as those conducted by the CQC, Home Office and EURAMI. Work closely with the Clinical Services Manager based in Bournemouth to ensure consistency of working practices and high‑quality of care and operations is maintained across both bases. Skills, Qualifications and Experience required Essential Registered Nurse in good standing with the NMC and in possession of extensive experience in ICU patient‑care and the wider NHS healthcare economy. Proven experience in clinical leadership or management, preferably within a pre‑hospital, critical care or air ambulance environment. Strong understanding of CQC compliance and clinical governance frameworks. Experience in international patient transfer or aeromedical operations (fixed‑wing experience highly desirable). Excellent communication, decision‑making and organisational skills. Ability to work flexibly, including participation in on‑call and flight rosters. Proximity to Bristol Base (within 60 mins) and own transport by car. Calm, confident and adaptable under pressure. Strong leadership with a collaborative approach. Committed to clinical excellence and patient safety. Culturally aware and capable of managing complex international cases. Motivated to promote teamwork, consistency and continuous improvement across bases. Advantageous Postgraduate qualification in healthcare or management. Experience as a CQC Registered or Responsible Manager. Previous involvement in developing or auditing clinical systems and protocols. In addition to a Competitive Salary, we will offer you Competitive Group Pension Scheme Comprehensive Life Assurance * Comprehensive Income Protection * Comprehensive Travel Insurance * Comprehensive Private Healthcare (after successful passing of probation) * Free Car Parking 2 Paid Volunteering Days each calendar year (subject to line manager approval) Investment in Training, Qualifications and Professional Development * (Subject to insurance underwriting) Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 20 working days then your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. #J-18808-Ljbffr