Biomedical Scientist Team Leader | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Working under the leadership of a Scientific Laboratory Manager, the Team Leader role is critical to the successful operations of the service. The role encompasses management of a team within a particular area of the service, which will require specialist knowledge pertaining to that area. In particular the role is designed to fulfil the following functions: To organise the day-to-day operational management of a section of the laboratory ensuring optimal performance of equipment, materials and staff. To provide professional leadership and line management for the staff of the section, to include work planning and rosters, training and mentoring, performance management and other HR issues. As a specialist Biomedical Scientist, to provide appropriate specialist advice on technical and scientific issues within the post holder's area of expertise to the Deputy Service Manager / Service Manager Note: the role may be rotational, having responsibility for different laboratory sections in sequence. Leadership

• Provide strong visible leadership within the service in partnership with SLM, General Manager and Clinical Head of Service.
• Support with the delivery of ambitious targets to continually improve performance within all Services
• Ensuring staff are clear about what is expected and are working together in successful teams to achieve the Trust's vision
Performance Management
• Identify performance objectives and ensure their delivery within the Service, accountable to the General Manager.
• Support the SLMs in ensuring the business is always maintained and meets clinical needs.
• On a day-to-day basis, manage the laboratory staff/ designated staff group, within the department in providing the service required.
Healthcare Standards Work closely with clinicians, managers and Pathway Leads to ensure that we are providing optimum quality of care in line with national healthcare standards including "Standards for Better Health" and local healthcare targets in compliance with relevant legislation and exceed the minimum standards set out in ISO 15189. 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. About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust: https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk Leaership / Management
• Lead / manage the section to achieve the operational goals and requirements of the service.
• Act as line manager for the Biomedical Scientist and support staff within the section, leading and motivating the team to optimal performance.
• Review and improve staff capability, performance, knowledge, and skills, which will include staff appraisal and sickness absence management.
• Assess and where appropriate provide training of staff in section, taking actions to ensure competency levels are adequate.
• Contribute to the future planning and organisation of the service by reporting issues, problems, and trends to senior management.
• Communicate effectively with team members, service management and external users of the service on clinical, scientific, and technical matters.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for the department.
• In conjunction with other team leaders, contribute to the overall strategic development of the service.
Clinical / Scientific / Technical
• Supervise and participate in the examination of clinical specimens in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures, including interpretation of results, in an efficient, effective, and safe manner.
• Provide advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations to healthcare professionals as required or for referral to specialist medical and scientific for clinical advice.
• Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained and ensure laboratory reports are accurate and timely.
• Supervise and where appropriate, perform the operation of departmental equipment including calibration, control, and routine maintenance.
• Troubleshoot problems arising with equipment and processes ensuring the implementation of backup procedures to ensure service continuity.
• Resolve immediate analytical problems and perform repairs to equipment where appropriate and liaise with manufacturers where repairs cannot be completed in house.
• Where appropriate, perform the more complex analytical work of the assigned section.
• Produce, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures as required.
• Maintain expertise and awareness of current technological and scientific developments in relevant aspects of the discipline.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new equipment and procedures within the department.
• Monitor internal and external quality control results, taking appropriate action to identify and correct problems. To report problems to more senior staff as appropriate.
• Ensure adequate levels of consumable supplies and other items required by the section are maintained using the appropriate procedures.
• Employ specialist knowledge and technical skills to perform complex analytical techniques and procedures.
• Supervise and perform the development of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and carry out regular planned audit and review of SOPs, COSHH assessments and workplace risk assessments.
• Be responsible for effective stock management of reagents and consumables, ordering and authorising payments for supplies and services up to the departmental agreed limits.
• Work in close liaison with others within service to show leadership in order to ensure that other service sections work in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
Service Delivery & Development
• Continually review performance against KPI's, proactively addressing areas of concern
• Undertake relevant research both internal and with other educational organisations to assist with learning, teaching and service development.
• Participate in clinical trials as appropriate and beneficial to service development and provision.
• Ensure the successful delivery of cost effectiveness of service implementing changes and improvements.
General
• To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).
• Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.
• To deputise for the Deputy Service Manager as required and perform any other duties covered by the post holder's competencies after consultation and agreement with the line manager.
• Assist the Quality Lead with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System
• Assist in the provision an out of hours service, where required.
Professional
• Be personally responsible for obtaining and maintaining HCPC state registration.
• Take all necessary measures to keep up to date with CPD in the discipline. This will include the reading of medical and scientific journals and attendance and participation in courses, seminars and scientific meetings (local, regional and national) as required.
• Be able to work independently and manage own workload working to local and national standards within the HCPC professional code of conduct.
• Be responsible for ensuring that consistently high standards of customer service are delivered.