Martha's Rule Project Lead (Internal Only)

Job overview

**This position is open to staff working at the Trust in the ‘ECT Family’ this includes current East Cheshire NHS Trust employees, both NHSP and ECT bank staff, ISS staff and volunteers at the Trust. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from applicants not listed within these groups.**

East Cheshire NHS Trust is implementing Martha’s Rule as part of the national NHS England programme to strengthen the identification, escalation, and response to clinical deterioration, while empowering patients, families and carers to raise concerns.

The Martha’s Rule Project Lead will provide senior leadership and programme management to deliver Trust‑wide implementation of all three national components of Martha’s Rule. The postholder will lead a programme of substantial organisational change, working across adult, paediatric, maternity and neonatal pathways, and ensuring the initiative becomes a fundamental and sustainable feature of the Trust’s safety culture.

This role requires expert knowledge of deterioration management, quality improvement methodology, and patient/family‑centred care. The postholder will act as the professional lead for the programme, building relationships with clinical teams, executives, families, and NHS England.

Hours per week: 18.00

We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.

Main duties of the job

Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role’s eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.

• Lead the strategic planning, delivery and evaluation of Martha’s Rule across East Cheshire NHS Trust.
• Provide senior programme leadership across all Directorates, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities and the national Martha’s Rule implementation plan.
• Oversee all governance arrangements supporting project implementation, including project plans, risk registers, milestone tracking, and regular assurance reports.
• Present progress, risks and recommendations to the Patient Safety Committee, Quality Governance Group, and Trust Board.Leadership and Management
• Support ‘Martha’s Rule’ Steering Group members and clinical teams to develop their improvement and expertise and skills.
• Supervision/coaching of clinical colleagues, and delegation of actions to deliver the project and support the professional development of team members.
• Maintain focus and delivery on the longer-term goals of the project while dealing with challenges that may arise.
• To demonstrate a visible commitment to improving services for patients and staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.