Senior Diagnostic Radiographer

Job overview

We are excited to recruit Radiographers to join our Plain Film imaging team.  In this role, Radiographers will be working throughout the Plain Film department rotating through a range of specialties including the emergency department, orthopaedics, pain and endoscopy unit, outpatients and mobiles, surgical theatres, and also our spoke sites in Henley and Bracknell.

As a progressive teaching department for radiographers we have established links to universities and actively encourage CPD and role extension, with support available to pursue academic courses and develop your career within a supportive and friendly environment. Our department offers excellent training and development opportunities with funding available for a variety of courses, study days, and post graduate training.

Applicants considered for a Plain Film/General Band 6 Senior Radiographer post must have a minimum of 18 months’ post qualification clinical experience and demonstrable knowledge at interview.

Applications from newly qualified Radiographers will be considered for a Plain Film/General Band 5 Radiographer post, with intended start date prior to 31 August 2026.

Please note: All applicants must have prior NHS experience either through training or previous employment and currently reside in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must be able to demonstrate clinical skills competence and robust knowledge of radiographic anatomy and relevant pathology, alongside excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. They must have the ability to work both autonomously and within multi-disciplinary teams, show flexibility to work at satellite spoke sites, actively mentor radiography students and apprentices, and participate in the out-of-hours rota as part of our seven-day service delivery, including evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Depending on future service needs, there may be an opportunity to rotate through CT or Interventional Radiology.

Senior Radiographers additionally must demonstrate the ability to make independent decisions, assess clinical situations and act appropriately, display leadership behaviours, and provide mentorship to junior Radiographers.

Applicants must hold HCPC registration and currently reside in the UK. Applicants must have prior NHS experience either through training or previous employment. Applicants for Band 6 Senior Radiographers must have a minimum of 18 months’ post qualification clinical experience. Applicants for Band 5 newly qualified Radiographers should intend to start prior to 31 August 2026.

All interviews will be held face-to-face at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. This gives candidates the opportunity to see our hospital, tour the Plain Film department, meet some of our Radiographers, and explore the town of Reading.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will act as a State Registered Radiographer and will participate in the provision of multi-modality imaging services to a diversity of patient presentations in a range of clinical environments.

The post holder will provide an excellent standard of radiographic imaging, technique, and patient positioning to deliver a high quality of patient care.

They will work to a consistently high standard and ensure radiation doses are kept to a minimum using the ALARP principle and dose reduction factors.

The post holder will assess and justify referrals under IRR17, IR(ME)R 2017, following practitioner guidelines. Includes the assessment of complex and/or acute cases.

They will make autonomous decisions regarding the appropriateness of examinations as an aid to clinical diagnosis.

They will follow established examination protocols and liaise, as required, with Consultant Radiologists regarding optimum technique.

The post holder will possess specialist knowledge and experience as appropriate to grade, and be able to function as a role model and will participate in the supervision, training and support of more junior staff.

They will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and be responsible for the prioritisation and organisation of own work activities in response to clinical and service needs.

The post holder will use Electronic Patient Records (EPR) and the Radiology Information System (RIS) for patient registration, ordering and scheduling. They will be responsible for ensuring accurate patient records, including radiation dose and exposure factors.

They will use the Picture Archive & Communication System (PACS) to ensure optimum image quality.

They will participate in the Quality Assurance equipment testing programme.

The post is based primarily in the Radiology Department of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in Reading, with rotation to satellite units at West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham, Townlands Memorial Hospital in Henley, and the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Healthspace in Bracknell.

The post holder will participate in the provision of 24/7 services; to include weekend and evening working.

Services are provided to hospital clinicians, general practitioners and other healthcare professionals including physiotherapists. The post holder will be required to liaise effectively with these referrers, patients, and their representatives.