Job summary Band 7 Patient Safety Officer This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the Patient Safety Team to help drive improvement and learning across the Trust. This is a key role, which embraces the Trust's values of "safety" and "trusted" by promoting a culture of learning and improvement for staff at all levels and across a wide range of hospital and community services. The successful candidate will be proactive and resilient, with the ability to juggle deadlines and competing demands in helping to deliver the patient safety agenda. Main duties of the job This post forms part of the Governance Team and is one element of the whole team's remit to develop sustainable, robust integrated systems. The post holder will have specific responsibilities around patient safety but will work with the Patient Safety Manager to ensure workloads are covered during peak workloads and absence. The post holder will have a key role in establishing, delivering and monitoring a the ongoing development of quality and patient safety within South Warwickshire Foundation Trust (SWFT) About us Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust have been rated as outstanding following our latest inspection by the CQC and we are recruiting new staff to come and help us improve even further. In addition our staff survey results have placed us 4th in the country for recommended place to work. We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity.Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are 'Trusted to provide safe, inclusive, effective and compassionate care'. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn't matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core. Date posted 28 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 203-C491 Job locations Flat 17 Lakin Road Flats Lakin Road Warwick CV34 5BW Job description Job responsibilities PATIENT SAFETY To develop and implement a sustainable and robust Trust wide system for patient safety/reporting incidents and maintain this database. To report all Patient Safety Incident Investigations (PSII)/ Never Events in line with the ensure that a full investigation is instigated in line with the national Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and local Trust PSIRF policy and plan, within the appropriate timescales. To ensure reporting of all relevant incidents to outside agencies such as RIDDOR or MHRA in a timely manner. To support immediate follow up of incidents in line with legislative and contractual Duty of Candour requirements and internal review processes. To support the production of timely investigation reports to the relevant Committees such as weekly Potential Significant Event meeting, Serious Incident Review Group, Clinical Governance and any other committee requiring PSII/incident reports (Pressure Ulcer Review Group, Falls Steering Group, Maternity incident review meetings). To provide guidance and support for investigating officers to ensure robust evidence collection and report production. To undertake the role of investigation when required, using systems analysis methodology. In order to produce appropriate assurance reports, there will be a responsibility to analyse data and audit the outcomes. To monitor PSII/Never Events and ensure the implementation of action plans. To support managers in implementation of recommendations following learning and/or improvement activity arising from incident responses. To ensure the incident reporting process has ongoing evaluation and any learning is translated in to change. To support development, maintenance and implementation of key policies including the Incident Reporting Policy, the Being Open/Duty of Candour Policy and CAS Policy to ensure these are reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis (at least annually) and take account of national legislation. To receive reports from the Learning from Patient Safety Events (LfPSE) which will be reviewed, monitored and appropriate actions plans produced. To provide timely reports for relevant Committees such as Audit and Operational Governance Groups, Patient Safety Surveillance Committee and Clinical Governance Committee. To lead and develop information resources pertinent to patient safety as a resource for the Trust, including the exranet. To be responsible for the efficient dissemination of quality and patient safety related information across the Trust, such as dashboards, newsletters, Safety Practice Alerts and reports. Undertake surveys/audit activity provide reports and feedback to managers and staff. To support/lead the implementation of Patient Safety Improvement work streams in line with PSIRF methodology i.e. falls, pressure ulcers, medication safety. Support the sharing of learning from death reviews and data analysis as part of patient safety reporting. Ensure process for CAS alerts/Field Safety Notices is implemented across the Trust Respond to any Freedom of Information Act requests that are relevant to the patient safety team Ensure attendance at all relevant Patient Safety meetings PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT To develop and lead project plans detailing the key actions, responsibilities, timescales and milestone dates to meet the appropriate deadlines. To clarify and develop project scope, definition and terms of reference in order to plan effectively. Monitor and evaluate project work in order to facilitate the achievement of project objectives while ensuring projects are kept to agreed timetables. INPHASE Support the patient safety manager as Trust lead for the Inphase implementation project and be the responsible person and contact in all related queries/issues associated with the project Responsible for the development and maintenance of modules within Inphase, in conjunction with appropriate specialist leads: to include Incident, Complaints, Risk, Claims and PALS, mortality and freedom to speak up. To ensure effective implementation of Inphase across the organisation. To produce data for key performance indicators, statistical reports and trend analysis reports as required/requested by others through interrogating the Inphase database for the requested information. To ensure responses to incidents are appropriate and timely, with support to relevant areas and appropriate escalation where this does not occur. CENTRAL ALERT SYSTEM (CAS ) To support the distribution and co-ordinator of CAS/NPSA alerts and Field Safety Notices To ensure appropriate systems are in place for acting on alerts which are relevant to SWFT. To monitor CAS Alerts that are received and ensure that relevant information is included in the CAS Report which will be available to relevant Committees such as the Audit and Operational Group, Patient Safety Group. To undertake audits as appropriate on the implementation of advice given through CAS. RISK/COMPLIANCE To support the CQC and other external assessments for SWFT. To provide, collate and maintain robust evidence of compliance using an electronic system. To ensure action plans are in place for any ongoing requirements. To be a key player in the development of a SWFT training programme for staff leading incident responses or engaging with patient/staff support, using the systems analysis techniques. CULTURE To ensure the the principles of the NHS England Patient Safety Strategy and Being Open are embedded as part of SWFT culture. This will include the use of the Manchester Patient Safety Framework as a self-reflection tool in order to measure the maturity of an organisation. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the self-assessment takes place at least annually and will provide a gap analysis and action plan, which will be reported to the corporate risk department To be a key player in implementing and sustaining a process of sharing, learning and feedback as a whole systems approach across SWFT. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Patient Safety Manager Local risk management system Administrators Healthcare Governance Support Officers Chief Nursing Officer Head of Governance Executive Directors Governance Team Modern Matrons Ward and Department Managers Associate Chief Medical Officers of Divisions and of Governance Clinical Directors Associate Chief Operating Officers Legal Services Co-ordinator H&S/Risk Manager Integrated Commissioning Board/NHS England/NHS Improvement/CQC The post holder will be required to act within delegated financial and budgetary requirements. Job description Job responsibilities PATIENT SAFETY To develop and implement a sustainable and robust Trust wide system for patient safety/reporting incidents and maintain this database. To report all Patient Safety Incident Investigations (PSII)/ Never Events in line with the ensure that a full investigation is instigated in line with the national Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and local Trust PSIRF policy and plan, within the appropriate timescales. To ensure reporting of all relevant incidents to outside agencies such as RIDDOR or MHRA in a timely manner. To support immediate follow up of incidents in line with legislative and contractual Duty of Candour requirements and internal review processes. To support the production of timely investigation reports to the relevant Committees such as weekly Potential Significant Event meeting, Serious Incident Review Group, Clinical Governance and any other committee requiring PSII/incident reports (Pressure Ulcer Review Group, Falls Steering Group, Maternity incident review meetings). To provide guidance and support for investigating officers to ensure robust evidence collection and report production. To undertake the role of investigation when required, using systems analysis methodology. In order to produce appropriate assurance reports, there will be a responsibility to analyse data and audit the outcomes. To monitor PSII/Never Events and ensure the implementation of action plans. To support managers in implementation of recommendations following learning and/or improvement activity arising from incident responses. To ensure the incident reporting process has ongoing evaluation and any learning is translated in to change. To support development, maintenance and implementation of key policies including the Incident Reporting Policy, the Being Open/Duty of Candour Policy and CAS Policy to ensure these are reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis (at least annually) and take account of national legislation. To receive reports from the Learning from Patient Safety Events (LfPSE) which will be reviewed, monitored and appropriate actions plans produced. To provide timely reports for relevant Committees such as Audit and Operational Governance Groups, Patient Safety Surveillance Committee and Clinical Governance Committee. To lead and develop information resources pertinent to patient safety as a resource for the Trust, including the exranet. To be responsible for the efficient dissemination of quality and patient safety related information across the Trust, such as dashboards, newsletters, Safety Practice Alerts and reports. Undertake surveys/audit activity provide reports and feedback to managers and staff. To support/lead the implementation of Patient Safety Improvement work streams in line with PSIRF methodology i.e. falls, pressure ulcers, medication safety. Support the sharing of learning from death reviews and data analysis as part of patient safety reporting. Ensure process for CAS alerts/Field Safety Notices is implemented across the Trust Respond to any Freedom of Information Act requests that are relevant to the patient safety team Ensure attendance at all relevant Patient Safety meetings PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT To develop and lead project plans detailing the key actions, responsibilities, timescales and milestone dates to meet the appropriate deadlines. To clarify and develop project scope, definition and terms of reference in order to plan effectively. Monitor and evaluate project work in order to facilitate the achievement of project objectives while ensuring projects are kept to agreed timetables. INPHASE Support the patient safety manager as Trust lead for the Inphase implementation project and be the responsible person and contact in all related queries/issues associated with the project Responsible for the development and maintenance of modules within Inphase, in conjunction with appropriate specialist leads: to include Incident, Complaints, Risk, Claims and PALS, mortality and freedom to speak up. To ensure effective implementation of Inphase across the organisation. To produce data for key performance indicators, statistical reports and trend analysis reports as required/requested by others through interrogating the Inphase database for the requested information. To ensure responses to incidents are appropriate and timely, with support to relevant areas and appropriate escalation where this does not occur. CENTRAL ALERT SYSTEM (CAS ) To support the distribution and co-ordinator of CAS/NPSA alerts and Field Safety Notices To ensure appropriate systems are in place for acting on alerts which are relevant to SWFT. To monitor CAS Alerts that are received and ensure that relevant information is included in the CAS Report which will be available to relevant Committees such as the Audit and Operational Group, Patient Safety Group. To undertake audits as appropriate on the implementation of advice given through CAS. RISK/COMPLIANCE To support the CQC and other external assessments for SWFT. To provide, collate and maintain robust evidence of compliance using an electronic system. To ensure action plans are in place for any ongoing requirements. To be a key player in the development of a SWFT training programme for staff leading incident responses or engaging with patient/staff support, using the systems analysis techniques. CULTURE To ensure the the principles of the NHS England Patient Safety Strategy and Being Open are embedded as part of SWFT culture. This will include the use of the Manchester Patient Safety Framework as a self-reflection tool in order to measure the maturity of an organisation. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the self-assessment takes place at least annually and will provide a gap analysis and action plan, which will be reported to the corporate risk department To be a key player in implementing and sustaining a process of sharing, learning and feedback as a whole systems approach across SWFT. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Patient Safety Manager Local risk management system Administrators Healthcare Governance Support Officers Chief Nursing Officer Head of Governance Executive Directors Governance Team Modern Matrons Ward and Department Managers Associate Chief Medical Officers of Divisions and of Governance Clinical Directors Associate Chief Operating Officers Legal Services Co-ordinator H&S/Risk Manager Integrated Commissioning Board/NHS England/NHS Improvement/CQC The post holder will be required to act within delegated financial and budgetary requirements. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Masters level equivalent specialist knowledge and experience Evidence of continuing professional development Post graduate qualification in Risk Management/patient safety Leadership/management qualification Desirable Risk Management Qualification Systems Analysis methodology/PSIRF training Experience Essential 5 years practical experience in Governance or Risk Management environment Proven experience of delivering programmes of work Proven track record of consistently achieving high standards and delivering objectives Experience of interpreting, analysing and using, sensitive and contentious information Project management/service improvement experience Experience of developing policies and guidelines Experience of working independently Experience of working within a complex, high profile and politically sensitive environment Experience of effective multi-disciplinary team working Experience of working with a wide range of staff (all levels, all grades) to deliver risk programmes / agendas Experience of presenting and articulating risk systems, processes and information to Senior committee members / Executive directors / Non-Executive Directors Ability to manage, prioritise and deliver a number of patient safety projects and work programmes within timescales. Ability to devise innovative systems and methods of working with minimal guidance. Identifies problems and suggests possible solutions or improvements Experience of working in a complex project in a relevant setting Desirable Previous experience of policy development and implementation Experience of chairing meetings Evidence of negotiating skills to influence changing practice Skills Essential Knowledge of current health service issues and their application to service delivery IT literacy, use of healthcare information systems and Microsoft Office applications Working knowledge and understanding of risk management systems and processes Knowledge of the National Patient Safety Alert system Knowledge of Risk Management Systems (Inphase) Understanding of Information Governance and Confidentiality Knowledge of incident reporting system and investigation process Knowledge of NHS regulatory programmes of work and the relationship with / to risk management strategy and policy Lead and develop required Patient Safety Policies Strong Project Management Skills High level analytical skills Effective communicator, high level of interpersonal skills Ability to compile quality reports Ability to implement local and national policies Evidence of negotiating skills Well organised, ability to prioritise work, time manage projects effectively and meet deadlines Ability to liaise and negotiate effectively with senior managers and clinicians Self-starter who can work proactively on own initiative Keyboard Skills Computer literate Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Access Coaching and training skills Excellent planning and organisational skills using a systematic thorough and logical approach Able to manage difficult and distressing situations effectively Experience of supervising staff Desirable Knowledge of the CQC and other national bodies Understanding of research, audit and evaluation methodologies and practices Knowledge of service improvement methodology Understanding of training needs analysis Investigative skills Ability to manage, influence and achieve change Personal Qualities Essential Team player Motivated and enthusiastic Confident and assertive Willingness to learn and develop Flexible and adaptable Able to work on own initiative Ability to communicate effectively at all levels Excellent time management and organisational skills, with ability to meet tight deadlines Other Essential Mobility within Warwickshire Car driver / willing to travel in the course of undertaking duties Flexible and adaptable in meeting and changing service priorities Smart and presentable Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Masters level equivalent specialist knowledge and experience Evidence of continuing professional development Post graduate qualification in Risk Management/patient safety Leadership/management qualification Desirable Risk Management Qualification Systems Analysis methodology/PSIRF training Experience Essential 5 years practical experience in Governance or Risk Management environment Proven experience of delivering programmes of work Proven track record of consistently achieving high standards and delivering objectives Experience of interpreting, analysing and using, sensitive and contentious information Project management/service improvement experience Experience of developing policies and guidelines Experience of working independently Experience of working within a complex, high profile and politically sensitive environment Experience of effective multi-disciplinary team working Experience of working with a wide range of staff (all levels, all grades) to deliver risk programmes / agendas Experience of presenting and articulating risk systems, processes and information to Senior committee members / Executive directors / Non-Executive Directors Ability to manage, prioritise and deliver a number of patient safety projects and work programmes within timescales. Ability to devise innovative systems and methods of working with minimal guidance. Identifies problems and suggests possible solutions or improvements Experience of working in a complex project in a relevant setting Desirable Previous experience of policy development and implementation Experience of chairing meetings Evidence of negotiating skills to influence changing practice Skills Essential Knowledge of current health service issues and their application to service delivery IT literacy, use of healthcare information systems and Microsoft Office applications Working knowledge and understanding of risk management systems and processes Knowledge of the National Patient Safety Alert system Knowledge of Risk Management Systems (Inphase) Understanding of Information Governance and Confidentiality Knowledge of incident reporting system and investigation process Knowledge of NHS regulatory programmes of work and the relationship with / to risk management strategy and policy Lead and develop required Patient Safety Policies Strong Project Management Skills High level analytical skills Effective communicator, high level of interpersonal skills Ability to compile quality reports Ability to implement local and national policies Evidence of negotiating skills Well organised, ability to prioritise work, time manage projects effectively and meet deadlines Ability to liaise and negotiate effectively with senior managers and clinicians Self-starter who can work proactively on own initiative Keyboard Skills Computer literate Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Access Coaching and training skills Excellent planning and organisational skills using a systematic thorough and logical approach Able to manage difficult and distressing situations effectively Experience of supervising staff Desirable Knowledge of the CQC and other national bodies Understanding of research, audit and evaluation methodologies and practices Knowledge of service improvement methodology Understanding of training needs analysis Investigative skills Ability to manage, influence and achieve change Personal Qualities Essential Team player Motivated and enthusiastic Confident and assertive Willingness to learn and develop Flexible and adaptable Able to work on own initiative Ability to communicate effectively at all levels Excellent time management and organisational skills, with ability to meet tight deadlines Other Essential Mobility within Warwickshire Car driver / willing to travel in the course of undertaking duties Flexible and adaptable in meeting and changing service priorities Smart and presentable 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust Address Flat 17 Lakin Road Flats Lakin Road Warwick CV34 5BW Employer's website https://www.swft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)