Main Department Lead Radiographer

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

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Lead Radiographer to manage imaging sections and enhance patient care. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years experience in a leadership role and a BSc/MSc/Diploma in Radiography. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, ensuring high standards in radiology, and coordinating with clinical teams. This role is pivotal in shaping departmental strategy and improving patient outcomes in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post graduation experience.
• Previous experience in a leadership role.
• Roster management experience.
• Management of staff attendance/wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of your imaging section.
• Work within professional codes and guidelines.
• Liaise with clinical teams for seamless care.
• Lead with the IRMER agenda and oversee radiation safety.
• Supervise radiographers, assistants, and students.

Skills

Organisational skills

Effective communication

Problem solving skills

Advanced IT skills

Empathy

Education

BSc/MSc/Diploma Radiography

Tools

RIS/PACS

Job description

Job Summary

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000 people. We are a high performing organization with a track record of success.

Are you ready to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional patient care? We're looking for a dynamic Lead Radiographer to take charge of one of our imaging sections and help shape the future of radiology services.

This is more than a clinical role, it's a leadership opportunity where your expertise, ideas, and influence will directly impact service quality, patient outcomes, and departmental strategy.

The successful applicant will be based at University Hospital North Durham, with responsibility for two other small community sites, and is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues at the South of the Trust.

You will be joining a department where teamwork is paramount; a strong team culture where radiographers support one another.

Suitable candidates should have a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience and be able to evidence this.

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder will work closely with all associated Radiology staff and will be expected to liaise with service users to promote an efficient service. They will be responsible for the day to day running of the department, and ensuring that patient care is at the forefront of clinical priorities.

Undertaking and coordinating staff appraisals, management, recruitment. The post holder will be responsible for planning and initiating more efficient work practices to meet the changing needs of the organisation.

Maintain high professional and technical standard of work, adhering to good practices of Radiographic technique and abiding by the acknowledged safe practices of radiation protection standards.

Utilise complex / expensive equipment to produce high quality radiographic images to assist in patient diagnosis and/or management of care. Be responsible for day to day monitoring of complex equipment within own specialist area, setting up and maintaining quality assurance protocols.

Ensure oversight of IRMER related tasks within the department, maintaining organisation, consistency and forward planning of audit activity.

About Us

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, Weardale, and over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage the day-to-day operations of your imaging section, ensuring smooth workflow, high standards, and responsive service delivery.
• Work within professional codes and guidelines to uphold the highest technical standards, with the autonomy to shape policies and practices alongside the Radiology Manager and Clinical Director.
• Liaise with clinical teams inside and outside the department to ensure seamless, patient-centred care.
• Communicate complex instructions to patients and carers, adapting techniques for those with serious injuries or life-limiting conditions.
• Lead with the IRMER agenda, oversee radiation safety, and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Ensure Health and safety is maintained within the department and that all policies and procedures are up to date.
• Supervise radiographers, assistants, and students, delivering training, mentorship, and appraisals to support their growth.
• Propose and implement new policies, refine protocols, and lead clinical governance initiatives that elevate our service.
• Engage in CPD and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in radiology.

What You'll Bring

• A passion for patient care and clinical excellence
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience
• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• A proactive approach to service improvement and innovation
• Commitment to safety, quality, and professional development

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• BSc/MSc/Diploma Radiography

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership or equivalent.
• Forensic post graduate certificate.
• RPS Training.

Experience (Essential)

• Minimum of 5 years post graduation experience.
• Previous experience in a leadership role.
• Roster management experience.
• Management of staff attendance/wellbeing.
• RIS/PACS superuser capability.Training and development of staff.

Experience (Desirable)

• Project management.
• Clinical Risk Management.
• Teaching/mentoring skills.
• Widespread CPD portfolio.
• Audit, benchmarking and quality assurance.
• Service development.

Statutory Registration (Essential)

• HCPC registration

Special Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Organisational skills
• Keeping calm under pressure
• Effective communication
• Problem solving skills
• Advanced IT skills
• Empathy

Special Skills & Knowledge (Desirable)

• Responds well to change.
• Supports continuous professional development.
• Accountable.
• Understands working dynamics.
• Awareness of NHS targets/waiting times.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer Details

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)