Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To ensure the department is operating in accordance with national guidance and maintain UKAS accreditation ISO 15189 standards & regulatory requirements.

•         To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.

•         To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.

•         To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.

•         To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.

•         To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.

•         To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.

•         To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.

•         To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.

•         To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.

•         To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.

•         To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and support collation of maintenance records.

•         To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance best practice and accreditation and regulatory requirements.

PERSONAL

•         To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.

•         To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.

•         To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department.

 SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT DUTIES

 •        To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.

•        To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings

•        To be named Quality Lead for the department.

•        To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.

•        To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.

•        To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.

•        To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.

•        To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.

•        To take the lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.

•        To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.

•        To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year and ensure developmental needs are actioned.

•        To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.

•        To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.

•        To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.

•        To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.

•        Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget and contributing to Waste Reduction Schemes

•        To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service or strategic developments.

 TEACHING / DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNICATION

•         To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.

•         To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.

•         To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.

•         To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.

•         To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.

•         •         To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies and other stakeholders.

•         To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.

•         To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the staff competencies.

•        To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.

•         To provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.

•        CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

 •         To be the Departmental Quality Lead

•         To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.

•         To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.

•         To work within regulatory and accreditation requirements, Trust policies and protocols.

•         To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

FINANCE

 •         To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial control and improvement targets

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