Independent Maternity Review Programme Support

University Hospitals Sussex is the subject of an important Independent Maternity Review (IMR), commissioned by the Department of Health on behalf of the Secretary of State. This is due to commence in October 2026 and is expected to last at least 3 years. The review will examine approximately 1,000 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, neonatal harm due to severe brain injury and severe maternal harm dating back to at least 2018. The purpose isto understand what happened, reach conclusions on the care provided, provide answers for families and identify learning for the organisation and wider NHS. The review is, by its' very nature, extremely sensitive and politically charged. The impact is expected to be significant for the families at the heart of the review, current and past staff and the wider organisation. In parallel, the Trust is the subject of an active police investigation - Operation Bramber., The programme manager will provide expertleadership in developing and overseeing thecountdown to readinessplanandday to day managementof the delivery planonce the review is live. They will ensure a singleversion of the truthis in in place capturing all theweek on weekactionsrequiredto enable the Trustto be ready on time,identifyingcritical interdependencies and ensuring the sequencing of tasks is effectively managed. They willproactivelyidentifyrisks,work to resolve those they can and escalate others to the Quality Director and Director of Regulatory Affairs.

Once the IMR is live,their focus will move toprogramme management of the operational activitiesrequiredto service the review and any Police investigations, working across clinical and corporate services to embed attention to detail,robust audittrails,paceand proactive problem solving.They will also supportcore governance activities - routine reporting,riskand issue managementfor internal and external audiences.

As the IMR and investigations are evolving entities, this will require flexibility in when and how to respond. Given the nature of the work, high standards of professionalism, discretion, sensitivity and commitment to preserving confidentiality of highly sensitive information are critical.

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.