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Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Pathway Manager to join the Elective Access team. This role is central to ensuring the effective coordination and management of patient pathways, supporting the delivery of timely, high-quality care in line with Trust access targets and national RTT standards.
The post holder will take operational responsibility for defined patient pathways, proactively identifying delays, managing risks, and implementing solutions to ensure patients progress efficiently through their care journey. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams including clinicians, nursing staff, operational managers, and administrative colleagues, the role requires strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
In addition to pathway management, the post holder will lead and support administrative teams, ensuring high standards of performance, data quality, and patient experience are consistently achieved. The role involves monitoring waiting lists, analysing performance data, and taking appropriate action to address capacity or demand challenges.
Please note: Applicants who have applied for this position within the last six months and have been unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process will not normally be considered for reappointment to the same post during that period
Main duties of the job
The Clinical Pathway Manager will take operational responsibility for managing defined patient pathways, ensuring patients progress through their care journey in line with Trust access policies and national RTT standards. This includes proactive monitoring of waiting lists and patient tracking lists (PTLs), identifying risks of delay, and taking timely corrective action to minimise breaches.
The post holder will work closely with clinical, operational, and administrative teams to coordinate activity, resolve pathway issues, and ensure optimal use of capacity. They will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely booking of appointments, maintaining high standards of data quality, and supporting validation processes.
In addition, the role involves supervising administrative staff, allocating workload, and supporting performance management to ensure effective service delivery. The post holder will contribute to staff development through training, induction, and regular performance reviews.
The role also requires analysis and interpretation of performance data, producing reports, and supporting service improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience and pathway efficiency. The post holder will act as a key point of contact for resolving patient queries and concerns, ensuring a professional and patient-centred approach at all times.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Person specification
Others
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including occasional cross -site working if required
- Willingness to provide cross -cover for colleagues and support wider administrative teams to ensure continuity of service delivery
- Commitment to adhering to Trust policies, procedures, and governance requirements at all times
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, information governance, and data protection within an NHS setting
- Ability to travel between sites if required (where applicable to the role)
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and in service delivery
- Willingness to undertake further training and development relevant to the role
- Demonstrates alignment with Trust values and behaviours (e.g. World Class Care)
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience working within an NHS administrative, operational, or patient access environment
- Experience of coordinating or managing patient pathways, including appointment booking, waiting list management, and patient tracking processes
- Experience of supervising staff or coordinating the work of a team within a busy service environment
- Experience of working with NHS patient administration systems (e.g. PAS, eRS) and maintaining electronic patient records
- Experience of monitoring performance against targets (e.g. RTT, waiting times) and taking appropriate action to address delays or risks
- Experience of prioritising and managing competing demands in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
- Experience of communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders, including clinical teams, managers, and patients
- Experience of handling patient enquiries, concerns, or complaints in line with organisational policies
Desirable
- Experience of proactively managing RTT pathways, including use of Patient Tracking Lists (PTLs) and validation processes
- Experience of analysing and interpreting performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Experience of leading or contributing to service improvement initiatives within a healthcare setting
- Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to resolve pathway delays and improve patient flow
- Experience of involvement in recruitment, staff induction, and performance management processes
- Experience of supporting audits, validation exercises, or data quality improvement work
Skills & Aptitudes
Essential
- Proactive and self -motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for patient pathway delivery
- Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, managing competing priorities in a fast -paced environment
- Strong commitment to delivering high - quality, patient -centred services
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working, responding positively to changing service demands
- Demonstrates sound judgement and the ability to make decisions within defined parameters
- Resilient and able to manage challenging situations, including service pressures and difficult conversations
- Collaborative and team -oriented, with a willingness to support colleagues and work across organisational boundaries
- Committed to continuous improvement and personal development
- High level of integrity and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality at all times
Desirable
- Evidence of advanced data analysis skills (e.g. Excel, reporting tools)
- Demonstrates knowledge of NHS performance frameworks, including RTT and access standards
- Demonstrates ability to present or communicate data to a range of stakeholders
- Evidence of coaching, mentoring, or supporting staff development
- Demonstrates ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders to improve pathway performance
Royal Free World Class Care Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Education & Professional Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience gained through working in an NHS administrative, operational, or patient access environment
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to healthcare administration, patient pathway management, or operational service delivery
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
Desirable
- Qualification in healthcare administration, business administration, or management (e.g. NVQ Level 4/5, ILM, Foundation Degree or equivalent)
- Training or certification in NHS systems (e.g. PAS, eRS, RTT validation or data quality)
- Formal training in service improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Quality Improvement, Prince2 or similar)
- Evidence of further development in leadership, management, or data analysis
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 5 Clinical Pathway Manager with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £36,943 - £44,900 Per annum inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is Permanent: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:30 *On Site Only*. The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
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