Job summary

We are seeking a Director to lead the UK NEQAS Haematology service provided by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. UK NEQAS Haematology is the expert centre within UK NEQAS for the provision of external quality assessment (EQA) for all aspects of automated cell counting, morphology and inherited red cell disorders.

UK NEQAS Haematology delivers a diverse and extensive programme of EQA services to participating laboratories in the UK and worldwide.

The department operates between 09:00 and 17:30 weekdays.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for the management and operation of the UK NEQAS Haematology services to national and international laboratories and the management of staff within the department.

Provides expert scientific advice and interpretation to participants and professional organisations regarding quality and laboratory performance.

Responsible for the financial management of UK NEQAS Haematology.

About us

There has never been a more exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Major redevelopment works are planned as part of the New Hospital Programme. These will be most dramatic at Watford General Hospital where up to 90% of buildings will be new.

The trust has recently gained 'teaching hospital' status which reflects the dedicated work of many teams and individuals who have set the standard for delivering high quality training, learning and education at all levels of the workforce.

We are a flexible working employer

At West Herts we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. We are delighted to offer a variety of flexible working options for all staff. Please check out our web page for more information.

We encourage and welcome people with disabilities. If you need help, please ask.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The core hours for this post are 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday

Developing and implementing long term policy for UK NEQAS Haematology national and international services.

Writing in depth review and supplementary reports for participants, external advisors and national bodies, highlighting patient safety risks.

Developing and writing national and international guidelines in the area of laboratory haematology.

Key relationships include working with the Divisional Director and Divisional Manager for the Trust, the UK NEQAS Board of Trustees, Haematology Steering Committee and Scientific Advisory Groups, and the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel for Haematology.

Liaising with the Unit Business and Finance Manager and UK NEQAS BTLP Director to ensure appropriate financial management of the department.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

Postgraduate degree or experience to doctoral level, with post doctoral level training in EQA or equivalent experience Registration with the HCPC or GMC, as appropriate to professional background. Active participation in CPD

Desirable

PhD MRCPath Management qualification.

Knowledge

Essential

Broad knowledge of laboratory haematology theory and practice sufficient to give credibility among scientists and clinicians In depth knowledge of the following: automated counting, morphology, inherited red cell disorders, quality management, delivery of laboratory services, national initiatives for laboratory improvement. Expert knowledge of EQA as part of laboratory quality assurance Knowledge of medical statistics

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience in the provision of EQA services in laboratory haematology Experience in haematology experience in a senior laboratory position, with responsibility for direction, management or supervision Experience in budget management and business planning. Experience in writing clinical and/or scientific reports Experience in writing scientific publications for peer review Experience in planning and managing research and development projects Advanced experience with word-processing and spreadsheet applications Experience with database applications

Skills and ability

Essential

Advanced technical laboratory skills. Excellent analytical, communication and presentational skills Excellent planning and organisational skills, able to work to deadlines Excellent problem solving and disaster recovery skills. Excellent negotiating skills, in one to one and in committee situations Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the organisation Able to manage change. Able to work without supervision, with guidance at a strategic policy level only Able to motivate and lead a team and to develop the skills and potentials of others.

Skills and ability

Essential

Advanced technical laboratory skills. Excellent analytical, communication and presentational skills Excellent planning and organisational skills, able to work to deadlines Excellent problem solving and disaster recovery skills. Excellent negotiating skills, in one to one and in committee situations Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the organisation Able to manage change. Able to work without supervision, with guidance at a strategic policy level only Able to motivate and lead a team and to develop the skills and potentials of others.

Personal qualities

Essential

Team player Copes well under pressure, responds constructively to unexpected and unplanned events, and balances tasks that change in priority. Remains calm and constructive under intense, investigative questioning Respects the confidential nature of the information gained in the workplace Confident in communicating, on performance related and other issues, with laboratory managers and heads of departments of participating laboratories Aware of limitations of own knowledge and experience. Tact and diplomacy Prepared to travel according to the needs of the post. Prepared to be available out of hours

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