Job summary We are currently looking for a highly organised, enthusiastic and motivated individual to work within the Individual Funding Request (IFR) team. Within the role, you will review IFR cases submitted from Primary, Secondary and Independent sector organisations, checking the criteria against a set of policies in order to make a clinical recommendation as to whether the requested procedure funding should be approved or not. You will work closely with fellow clinicians, and on occasion, may be asked to review new guidance to support our Value Based Commissioning policies. This is an interesting and varied role and would suit a highly organised individual who understands the importance of effective communications. The role is part time (27 hours), based in John Snow House in Durham (as your main office base). Office hours are generally 9-5 (excluding weekends), though we can offer some flex in this (8-4) for example. If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Claire Wong at claire.wong1nhs.net There will be an essential requirement to work from the office location on a regular/potentially weekly basis. Main duties of the job You should have varied clinical experience, with a willingness to consider the VBCC policy in reaching your recommendation, justifying this as you go. You will provide day to day support to the wider IFR team in ensuring cases are processed in a timely manner, linking in with local clinicians (GPs / Consultants / Public Health) as required. The role itself is flexible, but we would expect that you would work some of your time into an office environment with the wider team, in proportion with your working hours (for example, if you work 3 days, one of these should be in the office). The office environment is fast paced, and you will be expected to be able to manage your own workload and prioritise as necessary the demands of the role. About us At NECS we are very proud to be part of the NHS England family. We are one of the very few truly customer-owned entities within the NHS. We have grown from our roots in the North East to be an NHS business with customers the length and breadth of the UK and further abroad. Our customer base has diversified significantly over this period, and we are now very pleased to be serving NHS providers as well as commissioners, NHSE regions, Local Authorities, General Practices and national NHSE Directorates. NECS combines specialist skills and expertise with scale and resilience to achieve required results. We combine core NHS values with a sharp focus on customer care and a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement. We very much see ourselves as a key partner in the future success of the healthcare system and we take our share of the responsibility for shaping effective delivery. Our people are the heart of our organisation. We strive to ensure they feel trusted, valued and empowered. Were passionate about nurturing and developing people. When you join us, we want you to grow, and we offer many opportunities for you to do that as well as an excellent benefits package including generous holidays and pension plus free car parking and access to NHS discounts. Date posted 03 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference number I9869-IFR4-7916-1 Job locations John Snow House University Science Park Durham DH1 3YG Job description Job responsibilities The Clinical Support Officer will provide a key delivery and supporting role to the IFR Service Senior Manager to deliver the IFR Service. They will have a key role and focus in respect of IFR funding recommendations and will work closely with ICB customers. They will be the key drivers to deliver an efficient and effective IFR Service. The post will involve close working with other colleagues within NECS and ICBs to support the delivery of a successful service. Please see the attached Job Description in Supporting Documents for more information. Job description Job responsibilities The Clinical Support Officer will provide a key delivery and supporting role to the IFR Service Senior Manager to deliver the IFR Service. They will have a key role and focus in respect of IFR funding recommendations and will work closely with ICB customers. They will be the key drivers to deliver an efficient and effective IFR Service. The post will involve close working with other colleagues within NECS and ICBs to support the delivery of a successful service. Please see the attached Job Description in Supporting Documents for more information. Person Specification Experience Essential Review of clinical cases and assessment of compliance with clinical criteria. Evidence of personal contribution as a strong team player. Experience of self-development. Have experience of supporting the implementation of successful change management programs and initiatives to improve patient safety. Ability to review patient level information to contribute to an informed recommendation in an objective manner. Ability to self-motivate and work independently. Desirable Experience of good communication to large groups and health professionals. Qualifications Essential Evidence of an appropriate degree qualification or equivalent experience. Relevant Professional Nursing qualification and up to date registration. Knowledge of national NHS Policy and legislation with regards to Individual Funding Requests. Knowledge of ICB Value Based Commissioning Policies and the practical application of the criteria. Physical Skills Essential Ability to travel independently to meet the needs of the post. Skills & Aptitude Essential Skills to work systematically through problems and define solutions. Application of investigation and problem solving techniques including, root cause analysis, interview techniques. Evidence of holding strong public service values and being deeply motivated to improve services and make a real difference to the health status of patients, clients and the public. Ability to analyse and interpret data, including weighing up options and documents, including producing written analytical reports and graphs. Ability to deliver a range of tasks, work plans simultaneously to meet deadlines. Evidence of good inter-personal skills, from junior to senior levels and to deliver solutions in conflict situations. Evidence of continuing professional and personal development. Evidence of excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Ability to research areas relevant to the job purpose. Understanding of database applications used in risk management, governance or incident reporting e.g. Safeguard. Skilled in the Microsoft (or equivalent) allocations, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, etc. Understanding the sensitivity of issues and the potential impact of public interest with the media, patients, the public etc. Tact and diplomacy for dealing with angry/upset complainants. Person Specification Experience Essential Review of clinical cases and assessment of compliance with clinical criteria. Evidence of personal contribution as a strong team player. Experience of self-development. Have experience of supporting the implementation of successful change management programs and initiatives to improve patient safety. Ability to review patient level information to contribute to an informed recommendation in an objective manner. Ability to self-motivate and work independently. Desirable Experience of good communication to large groups and health professionals. Qualifications Essential Evidence of an appropriate degree qualification or equivalent experience. Relevant Professional Nursing qualification and up to date registration. Knowledge of national NHS Policy and legislation with regards to Individual Funding Requests. Knowledge of ICB Value Based Commissioning Policies and the practical application of the criteria. Physical Skills Essential Ability to travel independently to meet the needs of the post. Skills & Aptitude Essential Skills to work systematically through problems and define solutions. Application of investigation and problem solving techniques including, root cause analysis, interview techniques. Evidence of holding strong public service values and being deeply motivated to improve services and make a real difference to the health status of patients, clients and the public. Ability to analyse and interpret data, including weighing up options and documents, including producing written analytical reports and graphs. Ability to deliver a range of tasks, work plans simultaneously to meet deadlines. Evidence of good inter-personal skills, from junior to senior levels and to deliver solutions in conflict situations. Evidence of continuing professional and personal development. Evidence of excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Ability to research areas relevant to the job purpose. Understanding of database applications used in risk management, governance or incident reporting e.g. Safeguard. Skilled in the Microsoft (or equivalent) allocations, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, etc. Understanding the sensitivity of issues and the potential impact of public interest with the media, patients, the public etc. Tact and diplomacy for dealing with angry/upset complainants. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name NHS North Of England Commissioning Support Unit Address John Snow House University Science Park Durham DH1 3YG Employer's website https://www.necsu.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)