Job summary
An exciting opportunity to lead a Regional Rheumatology Service for Paediatrics and Adolescents within East Midlands.

East Midlands have been given funding by NSHE to develop a collaborative service that provides gold-standard, evidence-based care to all Children and Adolescents within East Midlands who require the support of a Rheumatology specialist team.

This post will be responsible for education of staff, developing pathways, MDT working, allocation of resources to ensure equitable provision across the region, recruiting and retaining staff and networking with national representatives.

This opportunity will suit a dynamic and motivated AHP or nurse, with experience in managing children and families with chronic conditions, continue to develop and support a regional service that is designed to meet the needs of Rheumatology children and young people.

Main duties of the job

• Interface with other health professionals and agencies regarding the care and treatment of patients requiring Paediatric Rheumatology services.
• In collaboration with paediatric education leads, develop dedicated training specific to the region and ensure a development training programme is in place for nurses and other professionals who may care for children requiring Paediatric Rheumatology services.
• Develop dedicated guidance, SOPs and protocols in the Paediatric Rheumatology service as relevant to the development of the Network.
• Work to ensure that transitions in care; for example, between children's and adult services are as seamless as possible and that information to support the experience of the whole transition process is accurate and readily available.
• Provide strategic expertise in the specialist area of Paediatric Rheumatology care to patients, families and professionals to enhance and develop the service across the region.

About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Job responsibilities
The post holder will lead on the implementation and standardisation of the Paediatric and young persons Rheumatology service across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas. As part of this identify, plan, monitor and support areas of work that underpin delivery of this programme.

Alongside the Medical lead, the regional lead AHP/nurse will develop tools to audit current standards and provide quality assurance in relation to patients Rheumatology care. These tools and audits should be embedded into providing assurance around changes in practice from quality improvement plans.

Maintain professional competence, authority and credibility by being highly visible to patients, carers and staff, actively seeking feedback about the quality of services. Provide expert clinical leadership for the regional rheumatology service at the University Hospitals of Leicester and Nottingham University Hospital Trusts ensuring a standardised approach focusing on improving quality outcomes in how we care and treat our rheumatology patients across the region.

Devising and implementing an education programme for nursing and support staff across the Trusts in conjunction with the Corporate Nurse Education Team and Clinical Leads. This will encompass both in-house education and competency needs and also accessing formal academic requirements linked to career progression for teams or expanding/advancing nursing practice roles.

Provide strong leadership to undertake Quality Improvement work related to Paediatric and Young Persons Rheumatology services and embed change as a result. As part of this support the MDT to improve and embed compliance with Rheumatology quality initiatives including driving standardisation of clinical workforce, transitional care, competencies and practice.

Develop and monitor key performance indicators for the Paediatric and Young Persons Rheumatology service, and where needed escalation of associated risks in in timely manner.

This role is equally split between Nottingham and Leicester and visiblity in both services is expected. Regular travel between Leicester and Nottingham is required and additional travel to regional hospitals will be part of this role.

Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential

• Registration on relevant part of the register with the NMC or HCPC with no restrictions on practice
• First degree
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Master's Degree in a healthrelated discipline (or demonstrable evidence of working at Masters Level)
• Leadership / management training / qualification.
• Teaching qualification.

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of post-registration experience in Paediatric nursing or as an AHP
• Evidence of managing patients with long-term chronic conditions
• Proven leadership and management of a clinical team
• Reputation for professional excellence with a track record

Desirable

• Experience of leading complex projects to redesign and improve clinical services
• Experience of working in a strategic role as a senior AHP/nurse leader
• Evidence of working with national organisations

Communication and relationship skills
Essential

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Leadership style which promotes collaboration and open two-way communication
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Capacity to work with colleagues across all disciplines and at every level within the organisation
• Approachable, reliable, decisive, tactful, respectful and supportive

Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential

• Understanding and track record of clinical governance and risk management concepts and techniques

Desirable

• Interpreting / production of financial reports

Skills
Essential

• In-depth specialist knowledge of Paediatric Care of chronic long-term conditions
• Understanding of Networks
• Evidence of patient and carer centred approach to care
• Demonstrate personal and professional pride in providing care and the NHS
• Evidence of advocating for patient groups

Desirable

• Experience in clinical research
• Understanding of critical appraisal techniques

Planning and organisation skills
Essential

• Evidence of management development and leadership development
• Track record of delivering high standards of care
• Ability to demonstrate achievement of set goals
• Ongoing personal and professional development

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual need
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role
Essential

• A team player with a flexible approach
• Open to new learning opportunities
• Takes responsibility for own personal development
• Capability to use own initiative and self-motivate
• Able to travel across the network independently

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.