Lead Radiographer

Job overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated and forward-thinking Radiographer to join our Imaging Department as a Band 7 Lead Radiographer.

Working within the Trust's Plain X-ray Team, the successful candidate will support the leadership, development and day-to-day operation of Plain X-ray, Interventional Radiology and DEXA services across Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and its satellite sites. Working closely with the Clinical Manager and Imaging Leadership Team, the post holder will help ensure the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred services while contributing to quality improvement, workforce development and service transformation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Radiographer seeking to develop their leadership and management skills within a progressive and supportive department.

The role supports services across Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Walton Community Diagnostic Centre, Whitworth Hospital and Buxton Hospital. Applicants must be able to travel independently between sites.

Although the Imaging Department provides a 24-hour service, this post focuses on leadership and operational support during core working hours. Occasional out-of-hours working may be required, but routine participation in evening, night and weekend rotas is not expected.

Main duties of the job

The Lead Radiographer will support the Clinical Manager in delivering a safe, effective and efficient Imaging service across Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and its satellite sites. Areas of responsibility include General X-ray, Interventional Radiology, DEXA, Dental Imaging, Cath Lab Imaging, Theatre Imaging and Mobile Radiography.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will provide professional leadership and support to Radiographers, Assistant Practitioners, General Imaging Assistants and Students, promoting high standards of clinical practice and compliance with statutory, professional and Trust requirements.

The post holder will oversee workload and resources within their areas of responsibility, ensuring patient priorities are managed effectively and services remain responsive and sustainable. They will contribute to service modernisation, quality improvement, audit, governance and workforce initiatives, supporting the delivery of departmental and organisational objectives.

The successful candidate will maintain a visible clinical presence and play a key role in developing the future radiography workforce through education, mentorship, supervision and postgraduate training.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Service

Support the Clinical Manager and Head of Imaging in the professional leadership and operational management of the Plain Film X-Ray and Interventional Radiology services.

Provide day-to-day leadership and coordination of imaging services, ensuring efficient workflow and effective utilisation of resources.

Organise and prioritise departmental workload to deliver a responsive, patient-focused service.

Support service modernisation, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Assist in achieving departmental performance targets, waiting time standards and key performance indicators.

Prepare reports, participate in meetings and contribute to service planning and development.

Support the organisation of imaging equipment servicing and repairs.

Travel independently between Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Walton CDC, Whitworth CDC and Buxton Hospital as required.

Workforce

Line manage Assistant Practitioners, Band 5 Radiographers and Band 6 Senior Radiographers.

Support the management and oversight of General Imaging Assistants through their Team Lead.

Assist with workforce planning, recruitment, retention, annual leave management, sickness monitoring and staff rostering.

Promote a positive working culture consistent with the Trust's Proud to CARE values.

Provide professional guidance, support and supervision to colleagues across the service.

Maintain visible leadership and ensure appropriate Band 7 supervisory cover during core working hours.

Clinical Practice

Maintain a high level of clinical competence across General Radiography and associated imaging services.

Ensure consistently high standards of radiographic practice and patient care.

Use professional judgement and experience to ensure examinations are performed safely, effectively and within legal and professional frameworks.

Advise referrers and multidisciplinary colleagues regarding appropriate imaging pathways where required.

Support safe and effective service delivery within Interventional Radiology in collaboration with Radiologists, Imaging Nurses and specialist teams.

Support DEXA services by facilitating appropriate staffing arrangements when required.

Education, Training and Development

Lead and support radiographer postgraduate education and professional development activities.

Participate in the training, supervision and assessment of Radiographers, Assistant Practitioners, General Imaging Assistants, Student Radiographers and Nurses.

Support the training of non medical referrers.

Act as, or nominate, mentors and preceptors for newly qualified staff.

Maintain accurate training and competency records.

Foster a culture of learning, development and continuous professional improvement.

Take an active part in recruitment.

Quality, Audit and Governance

Actively contribute to the department's Quality Assurance Programme.

Participate in clinical audit, service evaluation and quality improvement activities.

Active participation in Incident investigation and patient feedback enquiries.

Support clinical governance processes and ensure lessons learned are implemented into practice.

Support the development and review departmental policies, procedures and guidance documents.

Encourage research, innovation and evidence-based practice within the department.

Communication and Partnership Working

Develop effective working relationships with colleagues across Imaging, the wider Trust and external organisations.

Liaise effectively with Radiologists, Imaging Nurses, ward staff, porters, booking teams and other healthcare professionals.

Work collaboratively with departmental Leads to ensure safe staffing levels and service continuity.

Radiation Protection, Health and Safety

Ensure compliance with IR(ME)R 2017 and all relevant radiation safety legislation.

Promote the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle in all imaging practice.

Maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff through adherence to infection prevention, manual handling and health and safety policies.

Support the department's Radiation Protection Supervisors and demonstrate a willingness to develop into the Radiation Protection Supervisor role through appropriate training and development.

Maintain awareness of current legislation, professional standards and Trust policies.

General Responsibilities

Establish and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues and departments in the interests of delivering outstanding patient care.

Maintain confidentiality of patient, staff and organisational information in accordance with the Caldicott Principles, Data Protection legislation and Trust policies.

Participate fully in appraisal, personal development and mandatory training programmes.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

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.