BHSCT Head of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Band 8D
ref:55908184
Branch: Belfast HSCT
Location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL
Salary: Band 8d (£91,342 - £105,337)
Contract Type: Permanent
Opening date: 09/11/26
Closes: Tue, 24 November 2026 @ 4:30 PM
Interview Dates: To be confirmed
Notes: We accept online applications only.

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Band 8D Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Position
REGIONAL MEDICAL PHYSICS SERVICE
CLINICAL ENGINEERING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: Head of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service
Grade: 8D
Base: Royal Victoria Hospital
Line Manager: Head of Regional Medical Physics Service
Responsible to: Head of Regional Medical Physics Service

Job Role:

• To be the professional and managerial head of the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences (CEPS) Service and to provide strategic leadership for the development, governance, integration and delivery of Clinical Engineering services across Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
• To plan, direct, co-ordinate and develop the delivery of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services to Health and Social Care organisations throughout Northern Ireland.
• To provide independent expert advice on medical devices, healthcare technology management, Clinical Engineering governance and associated regulatory requirements to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, other Trusts, Department of Health and external organisations as required.
• To lead the implementation of recommendations arising from the Trust's Clinical/Medical Engineering Review and support the development of integrated governance, workforce, quality and service delivery arrangements across Clinical Engineering services.
• To be responsible for the overall management of Service Level Agreements, development of workforce and training strategies and identification of opportunities for service innovation, research and external funding.

Principal Duties:
Professional

• To lead the delivery of a high-quality Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences (CEPS) services ensuring the safe, effective and efficient use of resources to achieve all relevant targets and objectives.
• To be professionally and scientifically responsible for the staff and activity of the BHSCT CEPS service including: Provision of Clinical Computing and Clinical Engineering scientific and technical support to: Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology; Neurosciences, Laboratory Services; EEG devices, Medical scales; Connectivity of Medical Devices and database development; Support to Diabetic Eye Screening Programme hub and spoke services Regionally; Clinical Computing support to the NI Clinical Trials Unit; Clinical Engineering Services as laid out in the BHSCT review of Clinical and Medical Engineering Services including the Regional Disablement Service (RDS), the Rehabilitation Engineering Centre (REC) and the GAIT Laboratory Biomedical Engineering and any other Clinical/Medical Engineering Services as required.
• To be responsible for the provision of independent expert advice to the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT) working closely with the Trust’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee (MDAC) Departmental and regulatory authorities (DoH, MHRA) on the management of Medical Devices and clinical engineering services.
• To lead and provide assurance regarding compliance with UK Medical Device Regulations, In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulations and associated guidance relating to Health Institutions including in-house manufactured, custom-made and modified medical devices.
• To provide strategic leadership for the implementation and maintenance of quality systems and accreditation frameworks including ISO13485, BS7000 and relevant UKAS accreditation schemes where applicable.
• To be responsible for the provision of independent expert advice to other HSC Trusts as set out in the relevant Service Level Agreements and to other health service bodies and government committees as required.
• To engage with Departmental and national groups on Medical Device and Clinical Engineering related matters.
• To provide strategic leadership for Clinical Engineering governance across the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust ensuring consistent implementation of relevant legislation, regulations, professional standards and quality systems.
• To provide professional leadership and support to the Clinical/Medical Engineering Professional Standards and Advisory Oversight Group and ensure implementation of agreed actions and recommendations.
• To provide expert advice and assurance reports relating to Clinical Engineering services to the Medical Devices Advisory Committee and other Trust governance structures as required.
• To promote a consistent approach to professional standards, workforce planning, training, registration and quality management across Clinical Engineering services.
• To lead the development of integrated approaches to healthcare technology management, quality assurance, risk management and service accreditation.
• To be the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services representative on the Trust’s Clinical/Medical Engineering Professional Standards & Advisory Oversight Group.
• To have responsibility for ensuring the registration of staff as required within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service and ensuring the continuing competencies of these staff.
• To provide expert scientific, engineering and computing advice and support relating to all areas of the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service including advice relating to individual patients as required.
• To provide expert scientific, engineering and computing advice and support relating to the safe and effective operation of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences related equipment in instances including: Introduction of new equipment into clinical use; Re-introduction into clinical use following equipment failure/breakdown or unexpected quality assurance or test results.
• To liaise with clinical colleagues on relevant clinical matters and in the development of new techniques and services.
• To provide expert advice as required on hospital-based Health Technology Assessment of Medical Devices.
• To provide expert advice on the specification and purchase of Medical Devices and related equipment and facilities.
• To have overall responsibility for the acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and introduction into clinical use of all equipment relating to the delivery of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, standards, guidance and protocols.
• To ensure maintenance of accurate records of measurements carried out on all Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services equipment and machines.
• To provide, and be responsible for, the provision of expert advice on scientific, professional and legislative standards and guidance relating to the provision of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services and for ensuring that agreed standards are implemented and maintained within the RMPS Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.

Leadership & Managerial

• To lead implementation of agreed Clinical Engineering service reconfiguration and modernisation programmes.
• To develop organisational arrangements that improve governance, accountability, service resilience, efficiency and effectiveness across Clinical Engineering services.
• To work with senior Trust leadership, Human Resources and Trade Union representatives in the delivery of organisational change programmes.
• To ensure that service developments support the Belfast Trust strategic objectives and the principles of collaborative working and reduction of organisational silos.
• To professionally lead and manage a team of Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists, engineers and software developers providing Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services to the BHSCT and other HSC Trusts.
• To be centrally involved in the on-going implementation of the BHSCT’s Review of Clinical Engineering services taking a lead role on change management requirements as required by realignment of services as agreed working closely with service leads and HR as required.
• To liaise closely with medical, clinical and management staff to ensure delivery of an effective and responsive Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• To produce an annual service development and improvement plan for the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service and contribute to the RMPS overall strategic direction and business planning activities.
• Ensure that robust performance management arrangements are developed, maintained, in place and used.
• To plan and develop strategies for the introduction and development of new scientific, technical, engineering and software services to ensure continuing best practice in the delivery of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services.
• To have budget responsibility in line with the BHSCT authorisation framework.
• To manage staff and resources of the BHSCT Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service in a cost effective manner within the financial resources available.
• To play a lead role in the planning, policy formulation and management of both the BHSCT and RMPS as required.
• Establish effective collaborative working relationships and networks with colleagues across the HSC sector and other public and private sector organisations.
• To contribute to the BHSCT’s overall corporate governance processes to ensure its compliance with public sector values, codes of conduct, operations and accountability.
• To work with relevant Human Resource staff to ensure the delivery of the BHSCT’s HR Department Learning & Development strategies.
• To ensure that all staff within the Medical Physics Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service have annual appraisals.
• Participate and where appropriate manage the process associated with the recruitment of staff ensuring that staff are recruited in a timely and professional manner in line with the BHSCT recruitment policies and procedures.
• To be a member of the RMPS senior management team and where required be a member of other relevant BHSCT committees and working groups.
• Ensure that management structures and practices within the BHSCT Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service support a culture of effective team working, continuous improvement and innovation.
• To undertake all mandatory training required of the post holder.

Professional

• Contribute to regional clinical networks and other relevant regional or national programs.
• Establish effective collaborative working relationships and networks with colleagues across the HSC and NHS and other relevant sectors.
• To maintain registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council.
• Undertake a program of Continual Professional Development designed to maintain and update own skills, knowledge and expertise.

Strategic Leadership

• To provide expert strategic advice to Trust Executive Directors and senior managers on matters relating to Clinical Engineering, Medical Devices and healthcare technology.
• To contribute to Trust-wide planning relating to healthcare technologies, digital innovation and service transformation.
• To develop business cases and investment proposals to support service improvement and future development.
• To establish and maintain effective partnerships with regional, national, academic and professional organisations.
• To represent the Belfast Trust at regional and national meetings relating to Clinical Engineering, Healthcare Science, Medical Devices and healthcare technology governance.

Teaching & Training

• To participate in and promote the training and development of all categories of staff (engineering, technical and administrative) of the service and implement relevant training policies of the BHSCT.
• To develop and assure local training programmes for trainee clinical scientists and technologists ensuring that staff within the CEPS service are appropriately trained for the tasks they undertake.
• To develop and undertake teaching, lecturing and training to/for clinical, engineering, scientific, technical and non-technical staff as required.
• Ensure that any other formal or informal teaching or training required by staff within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service is undertaken as required.

Workforce Management

• To develop and implement a strategic workforce plan for Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services.
• To ensure robust succession planning arrangements are established and maintained.
• To lead development of training pathways supporting Clinical Scientist, Clinical Technologist, Engineering and Healthcare Science professions.
• To ensure appropriate professional registration and continuing professional development arrangements are in place across Clinical Engineering services.
• To develop rotational and cross-specialty training opportunities to enhance workforce resilience and career progression.

Quality

• To ensure compliance with statutory requirements relevant to the delivery of the BHSCT Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• To lead the implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of integrated quality management systems across Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences services, including ISO13485, UKAS accreditation schemes, BS7000 and other recognised standards as appropriate.
• To ensure that effective risk management and quality assurance policies and systems are in place within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service and that all appropriate actions designed to mitigate risks are undertaken.
• To maintain, participate in and develop a rolling audit program of scientific, technical and other relevant aspects of the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• Lead the identification and implementation of quality initiatives within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.

Research and Development

• To be responsible for determining and overseeing the research activity of the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• Take the lead in identifying R&D projects and encourage all members of the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service to participate in appropriate project and R&D work.
• To support, initiate and undertake research and development work and where appropriate, seek external funding to support such work, ensuring that all research is undertaken in compliance with good clinical practice and conforms to BHSCT research management arrangements.
• To collaborate with clinical, non-clinical and academic colleagues in the specification and development of R&D projects.

Communication and Team working

• To maintain and develop effective communication systems, which include team briefings and regular meetings with staff within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• To maintain and develop effective communication systems with colleagues from other specialisms within the RMPS, BHSCT and external organisations.
• To represent the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service and RMPS as required, communicating effectively with colleagues both internal and external to the BHSCT.
• To ensure all Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service staff are aware of BHSCT policies and procedures and to provide a conduit for information flow between the RMPS Senior Management Team and the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.

General Management Responsibilities

• To develop and promote an effective team approach to service delivery and promote good relations within the workforce.
• Provide guidance on staff personal development requirements and to advise on and initiate, where appropriate, further training.
• Maintain and support good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff within the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.
• Where appropriate, review organisational plans and establishment levels and ensure that each is consistent with achieving objectives and recommend change where appropriate.
• Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her management consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results.
• Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the BHSCT.
• Promote the BHSCT policy on equality of opportunity through his/her own actions and ensure that this policy is adhered to by staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
• To be responsible for Health & Safety matters relating to the Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences service.

General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

• At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
• Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
• Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
• Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
• Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:

• Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
• Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
• Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
• Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
• Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
• Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
• Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Personnel Specification
Job Title / Band: Head of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences, Band 8D
Dept / Directorate: Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences Service, Regional Medical Physics Service, Trauma, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Imaging, Medical Physics, Outpatients

Essential criteria: A minimum of a 2nd Class Honours degree or equivalent in Engineering or other appropriate science subject; MSc/MEng in a relevant subject or equivalent experience; Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC; Chartered Engineering status or equivalent experience; at least 5 years demonstrable significant experience in Clinical Engineering; ability to demonstrate highly developed collaboration and organisational leadership; detailed knowledge of medical device legislation and guidance; experience leading organisational change or service transformation; experience implementing quality management systems and regulatory compliance frameworks; experience of strategic workforce planning and professional governance; strong scientific leadership, management and analytical skills; excellent multi-disciplinary team working; ability to identify, initiate and implement service developments; ability to communicate complex clinical engineering issues to engineers and non-engineers; ability to develop personal development plans and CPD; advanced computer analysis and data skills; ability to act independently in a professional leadership role; extensive expert knowledge of Clinical Engineering and Physiological Sciences, including healthcare technology management, medical device regulation, risk management and ISO13485/BS7000 quality systems.

Desirable criteria: Relevant post-graduate qualification (MSc, PhD); corporate membership or Fellowship of the IPEM or similar professional body.

Note: Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made. Successful applicants must produce documentary evidence of the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.