Emergency Department Validator

Job overview

The Emergency Department Data Quality and Performance Lead is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity and quality of Emergency Department (ED) performance data, in line with Emergency Care Data Set (ECDS) standards, NHS England reporting requirements, and Trust policies. Acting as the Trust's specialist lead for ED validation and performance assurance, the post holder will analyse complex patient records, validate activity data, investigate reporting discrepancies, and provide expert guidance on data quality and performance management.

The role involves leading data validation and quality assurance processes, overseeing statutory reporting submissions, producing performance intelligence and assurance reports, and identifying opportunities for service improvement. Working closely with clinical, operational and digital teams, the post holder will drive data quality improvement initiatives, ensure compliance with governance and information standards, and support informed decision-making through accurate and reliable performance reporting.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the post holder will be accountable for the interpretation of national guidance, the governance of validation processes, and the quality of information used to support operational, divisional and organisational performance across Emergency Care services.

Main duties of the job

Validate and quality assure Emergency Department (ED) activity data, ensuring compliance with ECDS, NHS England standards and Trust requirements.

Review patient records and performance data to ensure accurate recording of attendance outcomes, clinical timestamps and patient pathways.

Investigate data quality issues, performance breaches and reporting anomalies, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.

Produce, validate and analyse ED performance reports, including ECDS submissions, SITREP returns and management information.

Develop and implement data quality improvement initiatives to enhance data accuracy, compliance and reporting standards.

Provide expert advice and training on ED data quality, validation processes and ECDS requirements.

Develop dashboards, performance reports and analytical insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Ensure compliance with Information Governance, GDPR, NHS data standards and Trust policies.

Lead audits relating to data quality and performance reporting, maintaining accurate audit trails and documentation.

Work collaboratively with clinical, operational and digital teams to improve recording practices, data quality and Emergency Department performance.

Act as the Trust's lead specialist for ED validation and performance assurance, exercising professional judgement and working autonomously to support organisational reporting and decision-making.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Data Validation and Quality Assurance

• Lead the validation of Emergency Department (ED) activity data to ensure compliance with Emergency Care Data Set (ECDS) standards, NHS England reporting requirements and Trust policies.
• Review and validate patient records, attendance outcomes, clinical timestamps and activity data to ensure accuracy, consistency and completeness.
• Develop, implement and maintain validation processes, controls and procedures to improve data quality and reporting accuracy.
• Identify, assess and escalate data quality risks, discrepancies and reporting issues as appropriate.
• Provide assurance regarding the integrity of data used for performance reporting, statutory submissions and operational decision-making.

Record Review and Investigation

• Analyse complex patient records and information from multiple systems to establish accurate patient pathways and outcomes.
• Investigate data quality concerns, performance breaches, reporting anomalies and disputed records.
• Interpret and apply national guidance, ECDS definitions and local validation standards to complex and non-routine cases.
• Produce detailed analytical reports, investigations and recommendations to support service improvement and performance management.
• Lead root-cause analysis of recurring data quality and performance issues and oversee corrective actions.

Performance Reporting and Intelligence

• Lead the production, validation and quality assurance of Emergency Department performance reports, including ECDS submissions, SITREP returns and internal reporting requirements.
• Ensure all mandatory submissions are completed accurately and within prescribed deadlines.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, exception reports and performance intelligence tools.
• Monitor performance trends, identify areas of risk and provide expert analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Present performance information, findings and recommendations to senior managers, governance groups and divisional meetings.

Data Quality Improvement

• Lead the development and implementation of data quality improvement strategies across Emergency Care services.
• Identify opportunities to enhance data collection processes, validation methodologies, reporting arrangements and system functionality.
• Review and update standard operating procedures, policies and working practices relating to validation and performance management.
• Lead and support projects relating to ED performance, ECDS compliance, information quality and service development.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, operational and digital teams to improve recording practices and data quality standards.

Training and Specialist Support

• Act as the Trust's subject matter expert for ED data quality, validation processes and ECDS requirements.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to clinical, operational and administrative staff.
• Develop and deliver training programmes relating to ED validation, data quality and performance reporting.
• Support staff development by establishing competency frameworks and promoting best practice in data recording and validation.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Information Governance, Data Protection legislation, GDPR, NHS data standards and Trust policies.
• Lead audits relating to data quality, validation processes and performance reporting.
• Prepare assurance reports, action plans and responses to audit findings and identified risks.
• Maintain robust audit trails and documentation for all validation decisions and data amendments.
• Represent the Trust at internal and external meetings relating to Emergency Department performance, validation and data quality.

Professional Accountability

• Work autonomously as the Trust lead for Emergency Department validation and performance assurance.
• Exercise professional judgement when interpreting national guidance, data definitions and performance standards.
• Take responsibility for the quality, accuracy and integrity of information used to support operational, divisional and organisational decision-making.
• Prioritise workload effectively to ensure reporting deadlines, performance requirements and quality standards are consistently achieved.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.