Job summary
This represents an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to direct education and training and workforce development for the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SEGLH) based at Viapath.
Genomics is a rapidly expanding area of pathology diagnostics which is undergoing significant investment and workforce transformation in order to support diagnosis and treatment of patients with rare genomic diseases and cancer.
This is a senior position within the Service Delivery Team that is accountable for the development and delivery of the scientific education and training plan to a collective workforce of over 250 colleagues across the consortium of organisations that constitute the South East GLH.
For candidates with appropriate experience, direct involvement in interpretation of reporting of genomic diagnostic test results may also be considered as part of this role.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for the strategic workforce planning and the delivery, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of the education and training strategy to ensure a consistent approach to training and upskilling of scientific and technical colleagues across the GLH.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing consistent approaches to ensure the laboratory workforce has equitable access to training available regionally and nationally as well as ensuring the workforce is sufficiently skilled to deliver, conduct and/or validate, interpret and report on the complete repertoire of genomic tests.
The Scientific Education and Training Lead will also be responsible for routinely assessing the skill mix of laboratory staff and identify training requirements.
This role requires significant local engagement across our consortium and the national GLH network and thus excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and negotiating skills are required.
About us
The Viapath Genetics Laboratory has been designated the hub laboratory for the SEGLH Network led by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTfT) to provide the new National Genomic Medicine Service for NHS England.
The Guys lab provides a wide range of tests for detection of germline and somatic variants using state of the art technologies including next generation panels, whole exome sequencing and cytogenomics. As the SEGLH hub it provides the majority of rare disease tests and adult solid tumour tests for the SE network and a national service for monitoring minimal residual disease in leukaemia.
The department has a number of ongoing R&D projects and works collaboratively with other groups such as GSTfT Biomedical Research Centre, GSTfT Genomics Innovation Unit and the GSTfT Assisted Conception Unit for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.
Your development and learning:
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Viapath Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the ViAcademy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership and Management
The post holder will provide operational and strategic management of the Genomics Education & Training team to ensure that SEGLH has the appropriate number of competent scientists. Advise on the strategic and operational plans for the continual development and requirement for education and training across the South East GLH Ensure coordination of trainee rotations including those from non-genomics disciplines. Align training requirements and develop a joint education and training strategy that addresses clinical, scientific and technical training needs Lead the scientific and technical development of over 250 genomics colleagues across the South East of England Management of local training leads with respect to local delivery of education, training and continuous professional development plans. This includes: Organisational structure and job design; Objective setting and performance management; Recruitment and staff selection; Appraisal and professional development; Team building and communication; Dealing with any disciplinary issues.
Coordinate scientific training of clinical staff Responsible for ensuring all laboratories within the South East GLH have local education and training processes To provide regular updates to the GLH Management Group and Viapath L&D Team on the education and training needs and innovation across the laboratories Lead and manage the delivery of: National training programmes Local training plans to support scientist training to FRCPath level Local alternative routes for registration of scientists to support workforce planning Local rotational programmes to ensure a multiskilled and flexible technical workforce
Scientific and Technical Education and Training Plan
To lead the development, implementation and ongoing delivery of a multi-professional education and training plan Continually review operational delivery requirements of the national test directory to ensure these are reflected in the training available to staff and to ensure the workforce has the corresponding skillset. Report on the progress of the education and training plan to the GLH Management Group To liaise with local training leads to ensure equitable access to effective, engaging and relevant education and training programmes which equip staff with the necessary skills required for their roles and to deliver the testing requirements of South East GLH Ensure all education and training risks are identified, reported on the risk register and actively managed, escalating any significant risks to the GLH Management Group To develop and maintain effective relationships with local training leads to ensure all staff are aware to of the South East GLH education and training plan Coordinate the distribution of information about relevant local and national training courses Coordinate and ensure the appropriate standards of education across the South East GLH that are expected by Health Education England and the National School for Healthcare Scientists Develop new and innovate ways to deliver training to a diverse workforce across a large geographic region
Workforce Planning
To lead in key aspects of workforce planning and the development and implementation of a workforce transformation plan To develop and implement a robust process for conducting regular skills audits to ensure the education and training plan aligns with local training requirements To provide regular reports to the GLH Management Group on the local education and training leads of the laboratories Lead the ongoing impact assessment of the training needs and requirements of laboratory workforce to ensure they are reflected in the education and training plan To coordinate recruitment of trainee scientists and higher specialist trainees to meet the workforce plan. Organise and coordinate work experience opportunities and open days to encourage undergraduates and graduates to the profession.
Quality Assurance
Organisation of quality assurance process including inspection visits, reviews and reporting activities of SEGLH to external bodies such as UKAS.
Liaise with external inspection authorities (i.e. UKAS and the Royal Colleges); Oversee the administrative planning associated with the inspection visits; Production of the Annual Training Plan and Annual Review for the Operations Director and Quality Lead; Lead on review of training outcomes and feedback and implement improvement measures.
Professional Development
Coordinate and manage access to cross-site local education and training programmes to make best use of capacity To support colleagues across the SEGLH with RCPath exams and HCPC registration To manage and support colleagues across the SEGLH with their Continuous Professional Development Lead and support access to secondment opportunities across the SEGLH network and with other GLHs Promote and coordinate training opportunities for non-scientific skills in order to ensure that staff are equipped for administrative and management roles.
Stakeholder Engagement Act as a key player / leader with key national organisations such as the National School for Healthcare Scientists and forums on genetics education and training and the development of education and training courses Represent the SEGLH at national events such as the national pathology week Work with the Clinical Education and Training Lead to deliver education and training events across the SEGLH Lead on development of national policies and best practice education and training standards by undertaking local and national professional roles as appropriate to enhance the profile of the service Engage with other professional colleagues such as Genetic Counsellors and Specialist Registrars on rotation within the laboratories
Personal Development
Professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate to ensure scientific and technical knowledge remains up to date Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed Maintain personal standards of conduct and behaviour which are consistent with Trust standards and requirements To take responsibility for maintaining professional registration, ensuring own professional develop in support of the post.
Please apply to learn more.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership and Management
The post holder will provide operational and strategic management of the Genomics Education & Training team to ensure that SEGLH has the appropriate number of competent scientists. Advise on the strategic and operational plans for the continual development and requirement for education and training across the South East GLH Ensure coordination of trainee rotations including those from non-genomics disciplines. Align training requirements and develop a joint education and training strategy that addresses clinical, scientific and technical training needs Lead the scientific and technical development of over 250 genomics colleagues across the South East of England Management of local training leads with respect to local delivery of education, training and continuous professional development plans. This includes: Organisational structure and job design; Objective setting and performance management; Recruitment and staff selection; Appraisal and professional development; Team building and communication; Dealing with any disciplinary issues.
Coordinate scientific training of clinical staff Responsible for ensuring all laboratories within the South East GLH have local education and training processes To provide regular updates to the GLH Management Group and Viapath L&D Team on the education and training needs and innovation across the laboratories Lead and manage the delivery of: National training programmes Local training plans to support scientist training to FRCPath level Local alternative routes for registration of scientists to support workforce planning Local rotational programmes to ensure a multiskilled and flexible technical workforce
Scientific and Technical Education and Training Plan
To lead the development, implementation and ongoing delivery of a multi-professional education and training plan Continually review operational delivery requirements of the national test directory to ensure these are reflected in the training available to staff and to ensure the workforce has the corresponding skillset. Report on the progress of the education and training plan to the GLH Management Group To liaise with local training leads to ensure equitable access to effective, engaging and relevant education and training programmes which equip staff with the necessary skills required for their roles and to deliver the testing requirements of South East GLH Ensure all education and training risks are identified, reported on the risk register and actively managed, escalating any significant risks to the GLH Management Group To develop and maintain effective relationships with local training leads to ensure all staff are aware to of the South East GLH education and training plan Coordinate the distribution of information about relevant local and national training courses Coordinate and ensure the appropriate standards of education across the South East GLH that are expected by Health Education England and the National School for Healthcare Scientists Develop new and innovate ways to deliver training to a diverse workforce across a large geographic region
Workforce Planning
To lead in key aspects of workforce planning and the development and implementation of a workforce transformation plan To develop and implement a robust process for conducting regular skills audits to ensure the education and training plan aligns with local training requirements To provide regular reports to the GLH Management Group on the local education and training leads of the laboratories Lead the ongoing impact assessment of the training needs and requirements of laboratory workforce to ensure they are reflected in the education and training plan To coordinate recruitment of trainee scientists and higher specialist trainees to meet the workforce plan. Organise and coordinate work experience opportunities and open days to encourage undergraduates and graduates to the profession.
Quality Assurance
Organisation of quality assurance process including inspection visits, reviews and reporting activities of SEGLH to external bodies such as UKAS.
Liaise with external inspection authorities (i.e. UKAS and the Royal Colleges); Oversee the administrative planning associated with the inspection visits; Production of the Annual Training Plan and Annual Review for the Operations Director and Quality Lead; Lead on review of training outcomes and feedback and implement improvement measures.
Professional Development
Coordinate and manage access to cross-site local education and training programmes to make best use of capacity To support colleagues across the SEGLH with RCPath exams and HCPC registration To manage and support colleagues across the SEGLH with their Continuous Professional Development Lead and support access to secondment opportunities across the SEGLH network and with other GLHs Promote and coordinate training opportunities for non-scientific skills in order to ensure that staff are equipped for administrative and management roles.
Stakeholder Engagement Act as a key player / leader with key national organisations such as the National School for Healthcare Scientists and forums on genetics education and training and the development of education and training courses Represent the SEGLH at national events such as the national pathology week Work with the Clinical Education and Training Lead to deliver education and training events across the SEGLH Lead on development of national policies and best practice education and training standards by undertaking local and national professional roles as appropriate to enhance the profile of the service Engage with other professional colleagues such as Genetic Counsellors and Specialist Registrars on rotation within the laboratories
Personal Development
Professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate to ensure scientific and technical knowledge remains up to date Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed Maintain personal standards of conduct and behaviour which are consistent with Trust standards and requirements To take responsibility for maintaining professional registration, ensuring own professional develop in support of the post.
Please apply to learn more.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level qualification or equivalent in scientific related subject
- Healthcare Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist
Desirable
- FRCPath (part 1 minimum) or PhD in relevant Scientific discipline
- Post-graduate Management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of developing and managing training programmes for technical and scientific staff in genomics
- Experience in lecturing to undergraduate of postgraduate students in genomics or related discipline
- Experience of assessing coursework of scientists as part of the national STP
- Experience of supporting development of HCPC portfolios
Desirable
- Experience of managing within a diagnostic genomics laboratory service
- Evidence of successfully leading transformational change in developing new models of service delivery
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects within the Genomics field
- Expert knowledge of the Genomics STP curriculum and assessment processes
- Evidence of the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams to deliver best performance
- Ability to work collaboratively and credibly as a senior leader with managerial colleagues
- Excellent interpersonal skills - coaching and motivating
Desirable
- Evidence of excellent leadership and management skills
- Skilled in presentations at a national and local level and the ability to present to large groups of people
- Ability to manage and deliver complex programmes of work within self determined deadlines
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level qualification or equivalent in scientific related subject
- Healthcare Professions Council registered Clinical Scientist
Desirable
- FRCPath (part 1 minimum) or PhD in relevant Scientific discipline
- Post-graduate Management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of developing and managing training programmes for technical and scientific staff in genomics
- Experience in lecturing to undergraduate of postgraduate students in genomics or related discipline
- Experience of assessing coursework of scientists as part of the national STP
- Experience of supporting development of HCPC portfolios
Desirable
- Experience of managing within a diagnostic genomics laboratory service
- Evidence of successfully leading transformational change in developing new models of service delivery
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects within the Genomics field
- Expert knowledge of the Genomics STP curriculum and assessment processes
- Evidence of the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams to deliver best performance
- Ability to work collaboratively and credibly as a senior leader with managerial colleagues
- Excellent interpersonal skills - coaching and motivating
Desirable
- Evidence of excellent leadership and management skills
- Skilled in presentations at a national and local level and the ability to present to large groups of people
- Ability to manage and deliver complex programmes of work within self determined deadlines
Additional information
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).
