Lead Reporting Radiographer

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in West Essex is seeking a Lead Reporting Radiographer to lead the radiographer team, manage educational programs, and deliver high-quality diagnostic reports. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience, be a registered HCPC professional, and hold a Master's level qualification. Responsibilities include clinical guidance, evaluating referrals, and contributing to service improvements. Flexible working and development opportunities are offered as part of an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Registered HCPC healthcare professional.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Reporting Qualifications required.
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate clinical reports for imaging examinations.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to reporting radiographers.
• Evaluate appropriateness of radiology referrals.
• Champion reporting radiographers and improve patient care.
• Communicate with referring clinicians regarding findings.
• Adapt imaging protocols as needed.
• Promptly inform critical findings requiring urgent review.
• Participate in the Radiology Duty Manager roster.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Registered HCPC healthcare professional

Masters level or equivalent

Evidence of ongoing professional development

Reporting Qualifications

Job description

Lead Reporting Radiographer

Closing date: 19 February 2026

The post holder will lead and manage the team of reporting radiographers, providing guidance and mentoring where needed. In conjunction with the radiology Workforce Lead, they will manage the planning, organisation and delivery of educational programmes and resources for reporting radiographers and participate in the radiographer educational programme. They are expected to provide clinical reports for a range of imaging examinations, suggesting a diagnosis or differential diagnosis, advising on follow-up and taking appropriate action when this is required urgently. They will offer consultancy regarding radiographic diagnosis when approached by clinicians / practitioners that require advice. They will continue to set and maintain a high professional and technical standard of work and ensure all staff in the reporting service maintain similar standards. They are expected to lead peer and self-audit amongst the reporting radiographer team and maintain accurate records and encourage reflective process. They must also undertake data assessment in order to monitor reporting turnaround times, reporting capacity and other indications, advising the management team as required. They will positively contribute to service improvements and re-design in line with national and local health service strategies. They are encouraged to conduct research and lead audits to support and develop the reporting service.

Main duties of the job

The Lead Reporting Radiographer plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality diagnostic imaging services across the Trust. This role involves close collaboration with a wide range of internal stakeholders including Radiographers, Reporting Radiographers, Superintendent Radiographers, Radiologists, Practice Educators, and departmental leadership. The post holder will maintain regular communication with the Head and Deputy Head of Radiology, General Manager, Head of Nursing, Clinical Leads, Clinical Directors, and referring clinicians to ensure seamless service delivery and patient care. Externally, the role includes representing the Trust in regional imaging networks such as ImageEast, contributing to strategic discussions and service development initiatives. The Lead Reporting Radiographer will influence policy, support workforce development, and ensure that reporting services are responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with national standards and local priorities. They will also play a key role in multidisciplinary teamwork, service transformation, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on clinical leadership, education, and governance.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

• Deliver precise and clinically sound written reports on a range of imaging examinations and referral sources, suggesting diagnosis or differential diagnosis and follow-up action where appropriate
• Offer expert verbal clinical guidance to radiographers, clinicians and other practitioners when approached
• Evaluate the appropriateness of radiology referrals in line with both national regulations and local protocols.
• Champion the role of reporting radiographers for reporting radiographer services and contribute to patient care and organisational operations, whilst demonstrating excellent clinical expertise and knowledge.
• Serve as a key advisor for imaging referrers and patients.
• Perform high-quality diagnostic imaging for the full range of examinations, maintaining patient comfort and safety and appropriate communication.
• Adapt imaging protocols where appropriate to optimise diagnostic information in view of clinical indications, imaging findings or patient condition.
• Assess specific communication needs of individual patients and implement alternative methods when needed to ensure that patient safety is maintained.
• Promptly communicate critical findings of pathology requiring urgent medical review. Ensure that Trust Infection Control protocols and procedures are adhered to at all times, including use of personal protection where appropriate.
• Fulfil responsibilities as an IRMER operator under IRMER (2017).
• Be an active member of the ImageEast imaging network and positively represent the trust in relevant forums.
• Participate in the Radiology Duty Manager roster and the divisional Bronze roster.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered HCPC healthcare professional
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Reporting Qualifications
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent

Experience

• Experience of a wide range of imaging equipment and techniques.
• Previous management experience and delivering performance standards
• Experience of managing complex change projects in the NHS

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust