Job Title: Scientific Director

Directorate: GLH ( Genetics Laboratory Hub )

Department: Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) and Genomic Local Laboratory Network (GLLN) for (WMOWGC)

Professionally accountable for:Delete if not applicable

Chief Strategy Officer Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS FT for WMOWGC and Senior Responsible Officer for contract host

Responsible to: Executive Lead Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Accountable to: Chief Strategy Officer Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS FT for WMOWGC and Senior Responsible Officer for contract host.

Pay band: VSM

Location: Base location could be one of the following WOWMGC laboratory Sites:• University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS FT.• Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT; Salisbury NHS FT University Hospital Southampton NHS FT Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS FT

It would be expected that the post holder will spend a proportion of their time working in West Midlands Regional Laboratory based at Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Hours of Work: Full Time

Contract: Agenda for Change

Job Description and Person Specification

On call requirement: No routine requirement

Disclosure required: Enhanced

Professional Registration: State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a clinical Scientist or equivalentFellowship of Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) or equivalentRoyal College CPD membership

Job outline:

A leading scientist, (consultant clinical scientist or academic clinician or equivalent) in genomics Direct and lead all aspects of the scientific and innovation activity of the Genomics

Laboratory Hub and associated laboratories within the Hub’s Geographical Area, in conjunction where appropriate with the GLH Medical Director/Clinical Leads.

Set strategic direction in line with NHSE vision for the NHS Genomic Medicine Services and with any nationally or internationally agreed projects and initiatives in genomics, with a particular focus on research, innovation, evidenced based practice, quality improvement and professional leadership.

Work collaboratively with Academic Health Sciences Network (AHSN) and become an active member of the Genomics Innovation network.

Maintain the GLH at the forefront of genomic science, working with NIHR and other bodies as appropriate.

Be responsible for the provision of high level scientific advice and expertise to the GLH Management Board, NHS England, Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and all clinical users of the GLH services.

Actively seek and encourage collaboration with academic groups, where this would be fruitful in achieving health benefits for the population served.

Key Result Areas:

Strategic Leadership and Management

1. Provides overall executive direction and scientific leadership for the entire WMOW GLH program.

2. To provide the direction, leadership and oversight of a comprehensive, efficient and effective Genomics Laboratory Service for the West Midlands, Oxford and Wessex Region. This includes all aspects of Molecular Genetics, Oncology, Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetic patient services and the relevant inter-relationships between those disciplines.

3. To strategically plan for the future provision of the GLH and LGL network taking into account current developments, service and patient needs; and at the same time aligning with the plans of the Consortium Trusts and other stakeholders in the geography.

4. To be accountable for the GLH budget, ensuring the effective use of resources available and to provide and develop a comprehensive Genomics Laboratory service consistent with NHS and WMOWGC priorities.

5. To be contribute to negotiating with purchasers (NHSE) and LGL providers the contracts, sub-contracts and workload targets to meet current and future service demands in accordance with the Trust’s contracting and service strategies.

6. To participate in the GLH Operational Board, Consortium Board, and any appropriate Board within the GMSA.

7. To attend and advise the NHSE GLH Partnership Board (or it’s equivalent) and to represent the genetics laboratories on appropriate regional and national committees, advising on the overall development and delivery of genetic services.

8. Plays a lead role in the development of scientific academic careers within the GLH9. Responsible for ensuring a high level of scientific expertise within the GLH commensurate

with ensuring the GLH lies at the forefront of genomic science.10. Acts as the senior scientific advisor in the GLH on the integrity and validity of results

generated from genomic testing11. Acts as a senior scientist in the wider GMSA (Genomic Medicine Service Alliance) and across

the WMOW Geographical Area served by the GLH.12. Advises on new technologies and approaches, including testing strategies, and provides

information on new tests to be included in the National Genomic Test Directory and composition of virtual gene panels

13. Represents the GLH at local, regional, national and international forums acting as an Ambassador for the GLH

14. Supervision and support of Scientific Leads and Bioinformatics Lead.15. Actively contributes to the management of the GLH.16. Takes a lead role in policy, planning and development of strategic objectives for the GLH.17. Liaises with the GLH Data and Informatics Lead to co-ordinate the development of the GLH IT

facilities

Clinical

18. To provide a high personal level of scientific and professional expertise to the formulation of policies and the provision of advice to clinicians on indications for referral, appropriateness of investigations, interpretation and implication of findings, follow up and patient advice.

19. Give general and specific advice for genetic matters, often highly complex and specialised to Consultants, specialty groups patients where appropriate.

20. Liaise with scientific staff on interpretation of laboratory investigations and be responsible for, with appropriate delegation to senior staff within the laboratories, for the issue of clinical reports and letters.

21. To work with other trusts and departments throughout the geography to improve the understanding and provision of Genetic Laboratory services to patients.

22. To be actively involved in the relevant diagnosis of genetics disorders and thereby contributing to the clinical services.

23. To participate in the Royal College of Pathologists CPD scheme and maintain full HCPC registration.

24. Demonstrates emotional resilience in a wide variety of distressing or emotional circumstances e.g. diagnosing terminal conditions, abnormalities and genetic diseases.

25. Authorises the send out of tests to other centres for analysis.26. Undertakes out of hours duties as required to meet the operational needs of the laboratory

and the efficient performance of the diagnostic service, as required.

Quality Management and Governance:

27. To ensure effective Clinical Governance within the Laboratories according to Trust Clinical Governance Policies.

28. To be responsible for encouraging, initiating, supervising and participating in clinical audit projects as ongoing review and improvement of the quality of the services offered by the laboratories.

29. To monitor the quality and efficiency of service delivery through internal quality control, clinical audit and national audit activities.

30. To ensure the laboratories have the required external quality assessment and internal quality control procedures functioning successfully.

31. Works with Laboratory leads to ensure the GLH laboratories work to UKAS standards maintaining full UKAS accreditation.

32. Works within the GLH National Network and with key stakeholders (NHSE, Genomics England and the national sequencing provider) to ensure services are fit for purpose.

33. Advises and reports at a senior level on the GLH activity.34. Formulates written policies and provides advice to clinicians on indications for referral,

submission of specimens, appropriate use of specific investigations, interpretation and implications of findings, follow-up and other necessary procedures for tests offered on regional, national and international basis.

Research and Development

35. Direct the introduction, evaluation and application of improved scientific and operational procedures thereby continually developing the service.

36. Stimulate appropriate research initiatives and encourage and supervise scientific staff in research projects both within the department and in wider multidisciplinary field.

37. To be responsible for encourages, initiating and overseeing bidding for grants to support research and development projects and equipment grants to enable technology assessment to be carried out. Including applications for research funding from national, local and international funding bodies.

38. To disseminate research and technology assessment findings to national and international meetings and through publications in scientific journals.

39. Develops a GLH research portfolio in agreement with the GLH Medical and Operational Directors, relevant to the aims of the GLH and the translation of genomic data into clinical practice.

40. Works with Genomics England to support the national genomics research and industry agenda and is an active member of relevant GeCIPs (Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnerships) and discovery forum contributing to scientific research and industry collaboration.

41. Implements and leads on research and development across the services provided by the GLH.

42. Maintains an awareness of the relevant scientific literature, helping appraise other members of the laboratories of advances appropriate to the service.

Education and Training

43. Be responsible with the assistance of the GLH and Laboratory training officer to ensure that the training and development needs of all the staff in the GLH laboratories are met and to ensure compliance with national guidelines and state registration requirements.

44. Ensure all staff have continuing education programmes, annual appraisals and personal

development plans.

45. Encourage and support all staff participating in training and instruction leading to higher professional qualifications appropriate to career grade.

46. Facilitate and participate in teaching and training of other staff within or outside the laboratories.

47. Participate in the teaching programme for undergraduate medical, dental and science courses, post graduate education and in service training of other relevant health service professional groups.

48. Actively participates in and interacts with appropriate scientific groups and organisations within relevant Higher Education institutes. The interaction will be predominantly, but not exclusively, with the respective Schools of Medicine.

49. Interacts with appropriate scientific and clinical staff within Birmingham Women’s and Childrens NHS FT, University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS FT, Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT, Salisbury NHS FT, Southampton University Hospital NHS FT other relevant NHS organisations.

Position in the Organisation & Key relationships Reports to the Executive lead Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. (BWC) Works with BWC corporate colleagues on matters of finance, contracting, human resources, IT

etc. Works with Medical and Operational Directors, Laboratory Leads, Medical lead, and other leads

within the GLH and GLLN. Works with the Genomics Unit at NHSE, and participates in the GLH Network and other

appropriate national working groups. Works with Consultant Clinical Scientist colleagues within the GLH and Local Genomics

Laboratories Liaises with colleagues in the local Clinical Genetics services. Liaises with clinical colleagues in other disciplines within the geography. Key external relationships include: Working with the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance Liaising with clinical colleagues in other disciplines across the local area directly and through

appropriate networks. Working with appropriate colleagues in the local Universities. Participating in national

committees for professional bodies, NHSE and DH.

Proposed Organisation chart

SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORWMOW Genomics Laboratory Hub (GLH)

OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR (GLH)

WMOWGMC Consortium Laboratories

PERSON SPECIFICATIONJob Title: Scientific Director

Essential Desirable Evidenced by

A – QualificationsWhat is the essential qualification for entry into this role and at what level?

Honours Degree in appropriate biological science

Higher Degree in Genetics or FRCPath or assessed equivalent experience.

FRCPath A / C

Include relevant professional registration

HCPC State Registration as Clinical Scientist or assessed equivalence.

Royal College of Pathologists CPD scheme membership

HCPC State Registration as Clinical Scientist

A / C

B – Knowledge/Experience

What level of experience is essential prior to entry to this post?

Significant experience in a genetics laboratory, including senior management and leadership roles.

Experience at Consultant level.

Research.

Experience of managing large laboratory teams.

A / I

What clinical knowledge/experience is required?

Expert knowledge of medical genetics and related fields.

Expert knowledge of genetic technologies.

Expert skills in interpretation and reporting of highly complex test findings and offering advice to clinicians, and when appropriate, patients

A / I

C – Skills – for example Communication/

Relationship skills:Who do they communicate with and what communication skills are required?

Excellent organisation, communication and management skills

Track record of presenting and publishing scientific papers, including in peer reviewed journals

A / I

Analytical & Judgement skills:

What level of analytical skills will be required?

Expert skills in interpretation and reporting of highly complex genetic test findings and offering advice to

A / I

Position in the Organisation & Key relationships Reports to the Executive lead Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. (BWC) Works with BWC corporate colleagues on matters of finance, contracting, human resources, IT

etc. Works with Medical and Operational Directors, Laboratory Leads, Medical lead, and other leads

within the GLH and GLLN. Works with the Genomics Unit at NHSE, and participates in the GLH Network and other

appropriate national working groups. Works with Consultant Clinical Scientist colleagues within the GLH and Local Genomics

Laboratories Liaises with colleagues in the local Clinical Genetics services. Liaises with clinical colleagues in other disciplines within the geography. Key external relationships include: Working with the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance Liaising with clinical colleagues in other disciplines across the local area directly and through

appropriate networks. Working with appropriate colleagues in the local Universities. Participating in national

committees for professional bodies, NHSE and DH.

Proposed Organisation chart

What level of judgement will be needed and in what context?

clinicians, and when appropriate, patients.

Meticulous with highest degree of accuracy.

Planning & Organisational skills:

What planning responsibilities are required? E.g. planning major or straightforward projects, longer term provision of services, planning rotas, meetings

Up to date awareness of national policies affecting NHS and provision of genetic services.

Excellent organisation, planning, communication and management skills.

Experience in obtaining funding for R & D

A / I

People Management/Leadership/Resources

What staff responsibilities will the post holder need to have? Will they be responsible for any resources (money, equipment, stock)? What is the level of responsibility?

Proven management experience

Enthusiasm and ability to motivate staff

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to handle emotional situations such as reporting test results with distressing implications for patients and their families

Extensive knowledge of personnel and management issues

A / I

IT skills:What software experience will be needed? What experience will be needed in accessing information on data systems and for what purpose?

Computer literate.

Data collation, handling, interpretations and presentation skills.

A / I

D – Approach/Values Demonstrate

alignment with the values and beliefs of the Trust

Yes I

Demonstrate an understanding of the practices of equality and inclusion in the delivery of this role

Yes I

Team working Yes I Punctual and flexible Yes I

Position in the Organisation & Key relationships Reports to the Executive lead Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. (BWC) Works with BWC corporate colleagues on matters of finance, contracting, human resources, IT

etc. Works with Medical and Operational Directors, Laboratory Leads, Medical lead, and other leads

within the GLH and GLLN. Works with the Genomics Unit at NHSE, and participates in the GLH Network and other

appropriate national working groups. Works with Consultant Clinical Scientist colleagues within the GLH and Local Genomics

Laboratories Liaises with colleagues in the local Clinical Genetics services. Liaises with clinical colleagues in other disciplines within the geography. Key external relationships include: Working with the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance Liaising with clinical colleagues in other disciplines across the local area directly and through

appropriate networks. Working with appropriate colleagues in the local Universities. Participating in national

committees for professional bodies, NHSE and DH.

Proposed Organisation chart

across hours of work when required

To be evidenced by key: A – Application C - Certificate I – Interview T - Test

Approved by:

Name

Post holder

Approved

Manager Date