Independent Pathology Adviser

Transformationunitgm; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare employer is seeking an independent pathology adviser for the Kent and Medway Pathology Network. You will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction and transformation of pathology services, leveraging your expertise in clinical and scientific advisory roles. Ideal candidates will have in-depth knowledge of laboratory science and experience at board level, contributing to advances in patient-focused care. This role offers flexible working arrangements, including remote options, aligning well with modern work practices in healthcare.

Benefits

Flexible working

Home or remote working options

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level required.
• Masters Degree or equivalent experience in Biomedical Science, Healthcare Leadership or Clinical specialism needed.
• Registered with HCPC, NMC or GMC.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic input and shape the network development programme.
• Support the Joint Committee holding Senior Leadership accountable.
• Share lessons learned from own experience in pathology.

Skills

Strategic Input

Scientific Advice

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Degree Level Education

Masters Degree in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Leadership

Healthcare Management Qualification

Job description

Main area Pathology Grade Dependent on current pay grade Contract Fixed term: 3 years (In line with non-executive appointments. Secondment will be considered for Internals applicants) Hours

• Part time
• Flexible working
• Home or remote working

3.75 hours per week (Working hours will be an average of 2 days a month.) Job ref 359-7227700

Employer Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site Kent House Ashford or Maidstone General Hospital Town Ashford Salary Dependent on current pay grade Closing 18/06/2025 23:59

Dependent on current pay grade

Job overview

As the first independent pathology adviser on our new Kent and Medway Pathology Network Joint Committee you will have the opportunity to help shape our network development programme and transformation programme; and to transition from alliance model to a single service.

Main duties of the job

Provide Strategic Input : You will work as a member of the KMPN Joint Committee, contributing to the development of strategy for pathology services, helping to set a compelling, sustainable and patient focused future direction for our network.

Provide Scientific, Clinical or Commercial advice : As the independent pathology adviser you will support the Joint Committee to hold the network Senior Leadership team to account. You will give your views on the appropriateness of recommendations on the development of pathology services in Kent and Medway and any broader business development.

Share lessons learned from own experience : You will support the Joint Committee in reviewing recommendations from a position of experience in a more mature pathology network.

Working for our organisation

Kent and Medway Pathology Network is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.

We are at an exciting point of our network development as we move into implementing a single leadership team across the four Trusts to drive transformation and improvement.

Our live projects include delivery of a single Laboratory Information Management System and order communications, digital pathology and a tender for standardising analytical equipment, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.

We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Prepare for the Committee meetings by reading the papers and by gathering any additional information on the proposed topics which may be helpful to the discussions.
• Participate in review(s) of the functioning of the Committee and accept changes to the membership, remit, procedures etc. of the Committee as a result.
• Participate in induction training and other training which may be offered periodically.
• Provide support and constructive challenge to ensure that the proposed decisions of the network Joint Committee are made on well-founded information and having undertaken appropriate due diligence.
• Support a positive culture throughout the network and adopt behaviours in the committee meetings and elsewhere that exemplify the network values.
• Support the Joint Committee to hold the network Senior Leadership team to account for recommendations on the development of pathology services in Kent and Medway and any broader business development.
• Commit to working to and encouraging within the network the high standards of corporate and personal conduct as stated in the Nolan principles of standards of conduct in public life and uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and probity.
• Provide independent judgement on, and help to shape, strategy and support the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement proposals for the these.
• Bring independent judgement and advice based on previous experience and apply this for the benefit of the network, its stakeholders, and its wider community.
• Demonstrate independence in character and judgement and have an enquiring mind; have a broad understanding of the wider NHS and the external environment in which it operates and be able to develop a strong command of issues relevant to KMPN.
• Engage positively and collaboratively in Board discussion of agenda items and acts as an ambassador for the network in engaging with stakeholders.
• Question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide dispassionately.
• Listen sensitively to the views of others.
• Promote openness and trust in relationships with all Joint Committee members and other stakeholders.

Person specification

Qualifications

• • Educated to degree level
• • Masters’ Degree or equivalent experience in Biomedical Science, Healthcare Leadership or Clinical speciality
• • Healthcare management qualification or equivalent experience
• • Evidence of continuing professional development
• • Registered with HCPC, NMC or GMC

Experience

• • Experience of leading pathology services through network maturity and service transformation
• • Experience of working at Board level with evidence of effective contribution
• • Knowledge of laboratory science and its role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention
• • Knowledge of current and forthcoming innovations in diagnostics
• • Experience of leading NHS hosted pathology services through network maturity and service transformation

Knowledge

• • Knowledge of Kent and Medway integrated care system

Skills

• • Ability to hold senior colleagues to account for decisions and delivery
• • Ability to analyse and summarise complex information and debate

Attributes

• • Promoting collaboration across services and teams, fostering partnerships within the pathology network and with external stakeholders for improved patient outcomes.
• • Leading with a focus on innovation, staff development and quality improvement to help achieve the KMPN vision. Ensuring staff have the opportunity to reach their full potential, services remain effective, efficient, and aligned with the latest clinical standards.
• Ability to travel to Kent and Medway for key meetings

In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, we may need to close the application process earlier than planned. To avoid missing out, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please contact the Recruiting Manager for an informal discussion should you have any queries relating to the role for which you are applying.

At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints, and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.

Good luck! We look forward to welcoming you to our exceptional team!

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