Deputy Head of Audiology & Paediatric Clinical Lead

This is a senior clinical leadership post combining advanced scientific expertise, paediatric clinical leadership, and strategic service development. The post holder will act as the Trust's principal specialist for paediatric audiology and will deputise for the Head of Audiology across the full breadth of service management and professional accountability. This role requires HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist or equivalent RCCP/AHCS registration, with post-qualification clinical and leadership experience commensurate with Band 8b (subject to job matching). The post holder will be expected to contribute to the evidence base for audiology practice and to support the development of trainees and junior staff. Main duties of the job The post holder will: Provide expert clinical and scientific leadership in paediatric audiology, acting as the Trust's lead specialist for children's hearing services across all sites Hold professional accountability for the quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness of paediatric audiology pathways, including newborn hearing screening, early years diagnostics, and complex case management Drive service development and quality improvement in line with national standards, including NHSP, IQIPS, NICE guidance, and BSA professional frameworks Act as Deputy Head of Audiology, providing operational and strategic leadership across adult and paediatric services in the absence of or alongside the Head of Audiology Champion a culture of scientific rigour, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement across the department, For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification by downloading the JD and PS attachment in the advert. If you are an internal applicant there is the option for secondment, all applicants must have the endorsement/support of their line manager prior to application. If you have a disability that makes submitting this online application difficult and would like assistance, please contact us on bht.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number. Job description Job responsibilities For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification by downloading the JD and PS attachment in the advert. If you are an internal applicant there is the option for secondment, all applicants must have the endorsement/support of their line manager prior to application. If you have a disability that makes submitting this online application difficult and would like assistance, please contact us on bht.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number.

Qualifications / Experience / Skills Essential

• MSc Audiology (or equivalent) with HCPC/RCCP/AHCS registration
• Minimum 6 years post-qualification experience in audiology, including significant paediatric experience
• Substantial specialist experience in paediatric audiology including complex diagnostics (ABR, ASSR, behavioural testing)
• Demonstrable senior clinical leadership and line management experience
• Experience of leading NHSP delivery and meeting national KPIs
• Experience of clinical governance, including audit, incident investigation, and quality improvement
• Knowledge and experience of IQIPS accreditation and national audiology standards (NICE/BSA)
• Ability to lead service development, transformation, and workforce planning
• Excellent communication skills with ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with families and staff
Desirable
• Leadership/management qualification or equivalent experience
• IQIPS assessor status or experience supporting accreditation
• Experience of research, audit publication, or guideline development
• Active involvement in professional bodies (e.g. BSA, BAA, AHCS)
• Experience with clinical systems (e.g. Auditbase) and data-driven performance improvement
Knowledge Essential
• Ability to provide assurance and operate effectively in a high-scrutiny environment, including responding to incidents, complaints, and external review
Experience Essential
• Demonstrable experience of leading service recovery, quality improvement or transformation within a complex healthcare setting
Desirable
• Leadership/management qualification or equivalent experience
  
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What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you?
• As part of our BHT family, you'll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
• We offer flexible and agile workingopportunities,alongside your NHS benefits ofgenerous annual leave entitlement, pension andaccess toNHS discount schemes.
• We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce.
Why work for us?
• We're committed to promoting inclusion and making sure all colleagues feel they belong. We encourage new colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.
• As an employer, we aim to create a workplace where differences are valued and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect.
• Greater diversity withinourBHT familyimprovespositive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
• A keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community who know the value of employing a service leaver/veteran and their families.
What do we stand for?
• Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work.
• Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time.
• Our care values are collaborate, aspire, respect and enable.