RCI Training Lead

Integrated Care System; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization is looking for a Training Specialist to join their Immunohaematology department in Newcastle. The role includes creating training materials, leading competency assessments, and enhancing staff knowledge in transfusion and diagnostic investigations. Ideal candidates will have an MSc in a relevant field, HCPC registration, and experience in training and customer care. This position offers flexible working opportunities and a supportive culture for continuous learning.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS pension scheme

Continuous learning culture through Thrive program

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Postgraduate knowledge and skills in Transfusion/Transplantation Science.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver training, competency, and educational materials.
• Participate in national laboratory training initiatives.
• Lead design and delivery of scientific training programs.

Skills

Advanced knowledge in transfusion and diagnostic investigations

Training personnel

Experience with Microsoft Office tools

Coaching and mentoring

Education

MSc or equivalent in transfusion/transplantation or relevant science

Professional registration/fellowship, e.g. HCPC, FIBMS

Job description

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) collects around 2 million units of blood and tissues annually, converting them into safe and effective blood components and tissue products for patient treatments. Join our Newcastle Red Cell Immunohaematology department to support NHSBT in training staff on advanced red cell immunohaematology techniques, providing reference and blood provision services to hospitals. This role offers an excellent opportunity for those seeking to further their scientific education and gain experience in training and education, all while supporting NHS hospitals to save and improve lives.

Main duties of the job

In this role, you will create and deliver training, competency, and educational materials to RCI staff. Your responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating advanced knowledge in transfusion and diagnostic investigations and training personnel to perform, analyze, interpret, document, and report routine and complex tests in line with accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Working at the level of a Biomedical Scientist Advanced Specialist for a sufficient portion of the role, performing advanced investigations to maintain competency in all relevant RCI processes.
• Participating in national laboratory training initiatives, such as cohort training programs, and traveling regularly to provide training and support at other RCI sites.
• Leading the design, development, and delivery of scientific training programs to enhance knowledge and skills across the RCI function, supporting local and national laboratory needs.
• Leading competency assessments, coaching, and mentoring for RCI staff.
• Developing and delivering accessible education and training platforms for RCI.
• Assessing staff learning and providing formative feedback.
• Traveling and working irregular hours, including overnight stays with prior notice.

About us

NHS Blood and Transplant employs over 6,000 people dedicated to making a difference across the UK. We facilitate life-saving donations of blood, organs, tissues, and stem cells. Our core values—Caring, Expert, and Quality—guide our work, ensuring we meet the needs of patients and staff with the highest standards. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from all sectors.

Job responsibilities

Please review the attached recruitment profile, which summarizes the detailed Job Description and Person Specification outlining the personal attributes required for this role. You will need to demonstrate these qualities throughout the recruitment process.

What we offer:

• Flexible working opportunities where the role permits.
• 27 days of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time), plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years of service.
• NHS pension scheme, a defined benefit scheme. Further details at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
• A culture supporting continuous learning through our Thrive program, which offers activities to support your personal and professional growth, accessible to all NHSBT staff.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Professional registration/fellowship in a relevant subject, e.g., HCPC, FIBMS.
• MSc or equivalent in transfusion/transplantation or relevant science, or equivalent specialist knowledge demonstrated through professional examinations or diplomas.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD).

Experience

• Postgraduate knowledge and skills, with HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Experience in Transfusion/Transplantation Science, focusing on blood group serology.
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Experience in a service provider role demonstrating high standards of customer care.
• Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate training programs to meet customer needs.