Cellular Pathology Section Manager and Training Lead

A Vacancy at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) offer a range of diagnostics tests across a number of departments. The Cellular Pathology service receives approximately 56,000 cases per year across 3 NHS Trusts; University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, George Eliot NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust. The Histology laboratories are based at University Hospital Coventry and Warwick Hospital. It is an exciting time to join the department as we are currently implementing new laboratory equipment. We have also recently implemented the Sectra Digital Pathology solution and brand new Hamamatsu scanners, and will be upgrading the Pathology LIMS system in 2026. CWPS also provide the Mortuary services at University Hospital Coventry, Rugby St Cross, and Warwick Hospital. Our Mortuary network cares for over 4,000 patients per year. We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate Training Lead with Histology and/or Mortuary experience to join our team. You will be responsible for staff training plans; competency and training compliance for the department; mentoring and leading staff in training to complete relevant IBMS and APT portfolios and exams; working on implementing the new electronic competency platform; and promoting CPD, learning sessions and upskilling for all staff across Histology and the Mortuary. This is a full-time role working at University Hospital Coventry, as well as Warwick Hospital on a rotational basis.

• Manage the departmental training programme for all grades of staff as directed by the Pathology Department Manager and ensure these are co-ordinated across the Network.
• Manage the completion and maintenance of records of training and competence for staff in all sections.
• Participate in and encourage continual professional development to maintain high standards of knowledge and skills for all staff.
• Organise, participate in and perform personal development reviews, supporting and working to an agreed set of objectives, both personal and departmental/CWPS.
• Attend external training/meetings as agreed with Pathology Department Managers and incorporate learning into Network service improvements.
• Organise, prepare and deliver formal training sessions to groups to ensure a high level of specialist theoretical knowledge.
• Develop specialist knowledge in a departmental section, as agreed with the Pathology Department Manager, but be able to undertake duties at a Band 7 level, in any area, on any site within relevant departments as required., Manage and monitor staff in the performance of routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples using complex and highly specialised techniques to exacting medical and scientific standards according to standard operating procedures. Perform such diagnostic tests when necessary.
• Design and plan departmental rotas, allocate and reallocate work schedules for themselves and the team and determine work priorities to meet service needs.
• Support the Department Manager in the planning, development, co-ordination and evaluation of the pathology service, and deputise for the Pathology Department Manager as required.
• Is proficient in the use of the Quality Management system, ensuring the effective development and/or management of all controlled documentation, non-conformities and audit reports within the system.
• Co-ordinates external and internal quality assurance schemes and supervises compliance with the departmental audit schedules, reviews findings, and implements service changes and improvements where necessary.
• Manages the propagation and maintenance of all laboratory aspects of the ISO standard and MHRA requirements, HTA regulations, HSE requirements and any other statutory regulations, and ensure the delivery of services in line with the principles of these standards and requirements throughout CWPS.
• Ensures quality assurance procedures are adhered to and all necessary internal records are maintained. Collates data for and leads departmental meetings and proposes and implements change as appropriate, ensuring clear lines of communication at all times.
• Manages and monitors maintenance on routine and complex equipment to ensure accuracy and precision of results. Provides specialist support for staff to troubleshoot faults and take appropriate action to maintain the patient service.
• Takes responsibility within the laboratory for achieving and maintaining all local and national performance targets. Management of KPIs (key performance indicators) including prioritising work to achieve turnaround times, managing staff attendance, and attaining and sustaining PDR and mandatory training compliance.
• Provide and receive specialist departmental knowledge, to and from staff and service users.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description. Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare. We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award.Pathway To Excellence® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.