Job summary
The Department of Blood Transfusion is seeking to expand its senior leadership team in order to deliver excellent, high-quality integrated care to our patients in keeping with the Trust's wider vision.
The laboratory service is fully accredited to UKAS 15189 standards and is accredited as a training laboratory for the IBMS portfolios. As Chief BMS, you will provide operational leadership for the MTW Blood Transfusion laboratories and support bringing the teams together in readiness for the delivery of the Kent and Medway Pathology network model. You will be registered with the HCPC, have gained an MSc (or FIBMS equivalent) and have significant experience as a Biomedical Scientist in Blood Transfusion, working at a senior level for at least five years. A management or leadership qualification is highly desirable, as is significant experience in coordinating quality management systems, project management and/or leading and managing large teams.
Main duties of the job
Post holder will Deputise for the Blood Transfusion Head BMS as required. They will oversee the operational management of the Blood Transfusion laboratories on both sites - Maidstone Hospital, and Tunbridge Wells Hospital in conjunction with the Head BMS. This will include daily management of the workload, management of staff and skill mix, management of equipment, management of safety systems, management of quality assurance, management of incidents and management of change. The role will involve working across both sites.
Post holder will be expected to direct laboratory operations and to take a key role in workflow prioritisation and problem solving. They must be sensitive and responsive to the changing demands on the service. Strong organisational, administrative, supervisory, and team leadership skills are an essential requirement of the post. They must be able to implement change whilst ensuring service continuity and be able to provide a visible lead whilst encouraging staff to take ownership. They will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries.
In collaboration with the Blood Transfusion Head BMS the post holder is responsible for ensuring an efficient, effective and high-quality Blood Transfusion service including ensuring the performance of the service conforms to all relevant statutory and NHS requirements and meets the needs of all service users.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
o At least 27 days of annual leaveplus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential
- Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity
- Substantial experience in Blood Transfusion at a specialist senior level (AFC Band 7 BMS)
- Experience of staff leadership and line management
- Evidence of involvement in staff training and development
- Knowledge of management of quality within the laboratory including working knowledge and experience of ISO15189 and the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR)
Desirable
- Managing workflow and experience of "lean" working concepts
- Knowledge of, and involvement in, project management.
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or Fellowship of IBMS
- Evidence of management and leadership training
Desirable
- IBMS certificate of expert or extended practice (e.g. Quality Management or training)
Skills
Essential
- Demonstration of advanced level skills in Blood Transfusion.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- High level of manual dexterity
- Excellent supervisory and teaching ability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Understanding of Pathology computer systems
Person Specification
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential
- Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity
- Substantial experience in Blood Transfusion at a specialist senior level (AFC Band 7 BMS)
- Experience of staff leadership and line management
- Evidence of involvement in staff training and development
- Knowledge of management of quality within the laboratory including working knowledge and experience of ISO15189 and the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR)
Desirable
- Managing workflow and experience of "lean" working concepts
- Knowledge of, and involvement in, project management.
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or Fellowship of IBMS
- Evidence of management and leadership training
Desirable
- IBMS certificate of expert or extended practice (e.g. Quality Management or training)
Skills
Essential
- Demonstration of advanced level skills in Blood Transfusion.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- High level of manual dexterity
- Excellent supervisory and teaching ability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Understanding of Pathology computer systems
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
