Pathology Governance Manager

Job overview

We are looking for a dynamic individual with strong leadership, organisational and analytical skills, and a proven track record in quality, governance, or laboratory services to join the Pathology Directorate as Pathology Governance Manager.

This is a key strategic role within the Directorate, responsible for ensuring that the Pathology service is delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with national standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational objectives. The ability to influence, collaborate, and drive improvement at both operational and strategic levels is essential.

Working closely with the Directorate Manager and clinical and operational leads, the post holder will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Directorate’s governance, quality, and improvement agenda. The successful candidate will lead on the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust governance frameworks to support high-quality patient care.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will lead on regulatory and accreditation compliance, ensuring the service continues to meet standards set by the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations, the Human Tissue Act and the Health and Safety Executive. A core focus of the role will be the oversight and management of the Pathology Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring it remains effective, compliant, and responsive to service needs. The post holder will lead on regulatory compliance and accreditation, maintaining standards in line with UKAS ISO 15189, supporting inspections, and driving continuous improvement across all pathology disciplines.

The role includes responsibility for risk management and patient safety, ensuring that incidents are appropriately investigated, lessons learned are embedded into practice, and a strong culture of safety and accountability is maintained. In addition, the post holder will provide leadership in training and competency, helping to ensure that staff across the directorate are appropriately trained, competent, and supported in their professional development.

The Pathology Governance Manager will oversee health and safety compliance, working to promote a safe working environment and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation and policies.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, safe, and sustainable Pathology service while supporting ongoing service transformation and innovation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac

To oversee the management of highly sensitive, complex and possibly distressing  information relating to service user concerns, complaints and serious incidents. • To use the highest level of interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with  patients/clients’ concerns and complaints such as would be required when communicating  in a hostile or highly emotive atmosphere. • The post holder will be expected to ensure any patient & user concerns and concerns, complaints and serious incidents are dealt with positively and promptly in partnership with  appropriate colleagues, and to act with authority to resolve the issues raised in a timely  fashion. This may include issues of a sensitive or distressing nature. • To advise clinical leads and pathology management on specific programmes of work within  the directorate relating to accreditation, quality and regulatory standards, training, health  & safety, patient safety and overall governance. This will include formally presenting  information to large groups of senior clinical and managerial personnel inside the  organisation. • Participate in regular Operational Management Team Meetings. • To act as the Directorate’s clinical governance representative on behalf of the Clinical  Director. • Lead for the Pathology Directorate with clinical governance issues.

Please contact Simon Hoad, Pathology Directorate Manager on 07875 319751 for informal visit/chat.