Infant Feeding Coordinator

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dartford seeks an expert autonomous practitioner to lead clinical initiatives in infant feeding and bonding. This role involves providing project management and clinical leadership, guiding staff on UNICEF BFI standards, and offering direct support to families facing feeding challenges. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in maternal and infant nutrition, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to conduct training. A commitment to diversity and continuous improvement is essential.

Benefits

Flexible working

Commitment to continuous improvement

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in providing clinical guidance on maternal and infant nutrition.
• Proven leadership in healthcare settings, particularly related to infant feeding.
• Ability to manage teams and training programs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management and clinical leadership in infant feeding.
• Lead service accreditation for UNICEF BFI Level 3.
• Support staff development in infant feeding practices.
• Conduct audits of clinical data and manage resources.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Infant feeding expertise

Project management

Nutritional guidance

Staff training

Job description

Working as an expert autonomous practitioner the post holder will provide project management and clinical leadership in infant feeding and bonding. The post holder will lead the service to UNICEF BFI Level 3 accreditation and support the infant feeding team across inpatient and community settings. Direct clinical care will be provided to families with significant infant feeding challenges, and the role will involve midwifery leadership across the service.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge and clinical guidance related to maternal and infant nutrition to ensure positive outcomes and safety.
• Lead strategically and operationally on the UNICEF BFI initiative, aligning plans for BFI compliance with wider maternity improvement plans.
• Support staff and embed the development of Baby Friendly UNICEF standards across the Maternity and Neonatal Units.
• Line‑manage the infant feeding team, including 1:1s, annual appraisals, sickness absence and mentoring in the Maternity Matron’s absence.
• Provide infant feeding training throughout the service for all staff and students who come into contact with new parents.
• Signpost families to specialist information and support, and represent the Trust at local, regional, and national breastfeeding and infant feeding forums.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop policies, guidelines and protocols in respect of UNICEF guidelines and implement evidence‑based practice changes.
• Ensure all relevant healthcare staff have the skills to support women in making informed feeding decisions.
• Participate in governance activities, including investigations and risk assessments, and maintain timely and accurate record keeping.
• Manage equipment and resources for infant feeding, introduce appropriate processes within the clinical environment, and manage the BFI Level 3 improvement programme and budget.
• Conduct regular audits of clinical data and service delivery, coordinate data collection and analysis for national, regional and local breastfeeding targets, and report as required.
• Provide input to the development of business cases for areas of responsibility and lead specific projects where necessary.

About the Trust

The Trust is a highly regarded Acute NHS Trust in Kent and Medway, offering secure, inclusive care for over 500,000 people. We are a smoke‑free, flexible‑working employer dedicated to continuous quality improvement and innovation. Our culture values diversity, equality, and staff well‑being.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you will find opportunities to grow in our inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently, with a visa or immigration status that allows them to fulfil the full duration and type of contract offered.