Deputy Lead Radiographer Breast Imaging

Job summary

An exciting leadership opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Lead Radiographer within the Breast Imaging team at the Primrose Breast Care Centre, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Working alongside the Lead Radiographer, you will support the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality breast imaging service while contributing to the ongoing development of the team. You will help train and support new staff and trainee mammographers, supervise junior colleagues and maintain high standards of imaging and patient communication.

You will work with imaging equipment including two Siemens mammography units with tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced capability, a prone stereotactic unit, three ultrasound rooms, a mobile screening unit and a city-centre site. Competence in mammography equipment is desirable, with opportunities to be involved in new techniques. Occasional travel to the mobile unit and some weekend working may be required.

Applications are welcomed from internal and external candidates. A mammography qualification is desirable; however, applicants without this qualification will be supported to complete mammography training.

*Restricted to female applicants under a genuine occupational qualification (NHS Breast Screening Programme).

**Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Lead Radiographer will support the Lead Radiographer in the operational management of the Breast Imaging Department and mobile screening service, ensuring safe, effective, high-quality care across static and mobile sites. In their absence, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the service.

You will deliver high-quality screening, symptomatic and assessment mammography in line with NHSBSP standards, support interventional procedures, and provide compassionate, patient-centred care.

The role includes supervising Radiographers, Assistant Practitioners, Clinical Support Workers and trainees, contributing to training, mentorship, appraisal and recruitment. You will manage rotas, staffing levels and skill mix, and coordinate mobile unit logistics, site readiness, QA and risk assessments.

You will ensure compliance with NHSBSP standards, Trust policies, radiation protection and health and safety legislation, and quality management systems, while participating in audit, clinical governance, research and service improvement.

Responsibilities also include equipment quality control, fault reporting, supporting commissioning and servicing, maintaining QA documentation, and accurate data entry on NBSS and CRIS. You will contribute to policy development, risk management and continuous improvement.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

Job responsibilities

• The post holder will maintain effective two-way communication with the Lead Radiographer and work collaboratively with the other Band 7 Radiographers to ensure seamless service delivery.
• The post holder will maintain effective working relationships with Radiologists (including the Lead Breast Radiologist and Specialist Registrars), the Consultant Radiographer, Screening Programme Manager, Screening Office Manager and QMS Lead, Superintendent Radiographer, Service Line Manager, Service Line Clinical Director, Director of Screening, Surgical Administration Manager, medical secretaries and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Liaison will also be required with service engineers, equipment suppliers, mobile unit providers, transport companies, external training establishments and students under supervision. The post holder will attend and actively contribute to multidisciplinary meetings, screening management meetings, SQAS visits, Regional Lead Radiographer meetings and other regional or national forums as required.

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Previous demonstrable experience of staff development and performance management.
• Broad, general medical imaging background and current, proven specialist knowledge of mammography and with a sustained record of technical excellence.
• Proven evidence of recent CPD

QUALIFICAITONS

Essential

• BSC in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent
• State registered with Health Care Professions Council

Desirable

• SOR accredited practice/clinical educator training NVQ level 3 Assessors Award
• Certificate of Competence in Mammography or equivalent at Masters level.

APITITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work unsupervised and on own initiative
• Proven interpersonal skills especially verbal and written communication skills

Desirable

• Demonstrates potential management abilities

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).