Job summary
We are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Superintendent Sonographer to lead our ultrasound service at King's College Hospital - Denmark Hill Site. This pivotal Band 8b role is central to the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused ultrasound services within our busy and progressive Radiology department.
We are looking for a dedicated and highly skilled individual with advanced clinical expertise in ultrasound, proven leadership experience, and a passion for service improvement and staff development. As the operational lead for ultrasound at Denmark Hill Site, you will be responsible for managing a team of sonographers, driving innovation, and contributing to the strategic direction of the Imaging service. If you're ready to make a real impact in a forward-thinking teaching hospital committed to excellence, equity, and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As the Superintendent Sonographer, you will lead the daily operations of the ultrasound service at Denmark Hill Site, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, safe, and efficient imaging service. You will oversee clinical practice across a range of examinations, providing expert scanning and independent reporting, while ensuring all examinations are tailored to individual patient needs. A key part of your role will involve vetting referrals, maintaining robust clinical governance, optimising workflow, and ensuring adherence to local and national standards. You will work closely with radiologists, referring clinicians, and service users to support timely diagnosis and patient care.
In addition to your clinical leadership, you will be responsible for managing a team of sonographers, coordinating rotas, supervising training and professional development, and contributing to workforce planning and recruitment. You will support the Head of Imaging Services in delivering strategic objectives, including service modernisation, equipment procurement, capacity planning, and audit. Through strong communication, performance management, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will help shape a responsive, forward-thinking ultrasound service aligned with the Trust's values and vision.
About us
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Provide timely, effective, and compassionate ultrasound imaging services.
- Independently report on examinations and communicate findings to patients and clinicians as appropriate.
- Justify imaging referrals and reject or escalate inappropriately requested examinations.
- Use expert clinical judgement to determine appropriate imaging techniques and adapt based on patient presentation.
- Communicate effectively with patients, including those with communication challenges or cognitive impairment.
- Explain procedures, obtain informed consent, and deliver sensitive findings appropriately.
- Take patient histories and extend or tailor examinations as clinically indicated.
- Ensure safe patient transfer and adherence to manual handling protocols.
- Liaise with referrers and consultants for integrated patient care.
- Supervise student sonographers and junior staff during clinical placements.
- Ensure accurate documentation in imaging systems, including updates to electronic patient records and worklists.
- Contribute to service improvement through protocol development and extended scope practices.
- Manage clinical incidents and ensure patient safety protocols are upheld.
Management Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the ultrasound department, ensuring a responsive and efficient service.
- Develop and implement local policies and procedures, aligning with Trust and national guidance.
- Lead on operational policy changes in response to service demand and innovation.
- Monitor and report equipment performance, faults, and coordinate maintenance or escalation.
- Ensure staff meet training and competency standards and maintain records of compliance.
- Represent the ultrasound service at internal and external meetings.
- Contribute to business planning, including capital equipment purchasing and service tenders.
- Investigate and manage complaints and incidents in accordance with Trust procedures.
- Ensure effective communication, patient flow, and high service standards within ultrasound and wider Radiology.
- Maintain oversight of third-party provider performance for any outsourced ultrasound services.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Financial Management
- Ensure service is delivered within allocated budgets and seek opportunities for cost-efficiency.
- Oversee procurement of consumables and manage stock levels to support operational needs.
- Monitor and manage service and maintenance contracts.
- Support development of business cases and capital bids for service investment and development.
Performance Management
- Use performance data to assess and improve service delivery.
- Lead capacity and demand analysis and make recommendations to optimise resource utilisation.
- Report regularly on performance metrics to the Radiology leadership team.
- Align service targets with Trust objectives and monitor progress.
Professional and Practice Development, Training & Education
- Maintain personal professional development and support CPD across the ultrasound workforce.
- Lead training sessions, run supervised clinical lists, and support induction of new staff.
- Support the training of students and contribute to the development of educational programmes.
- Ensure team compliance with statutory and Trust training requirements.
- Participate in appraisals both as reviewer and reviewee, ensuring team members have personal development plans.
Research and Audit
- Participate in and lead clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with academic partners and contribute to research projects within the department.
- Ensure audit findings inform service delivery and changes in clinical practice.
- Support the development of research protocols and ethical practice within the modality.
Communication
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, and staff.
- Liaise with referrers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate, timely diagnostics and care pathways.
- Maintain open channels of communication across the Radiology department and wider Trust.
- Facilitate regular team meetings and encourage feedback and collaborative problem-solving.
- Manage queries, complaints, or concerns from patients in a professional and compassionate manner.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain registration with the HCPC and uphold professional standards set by the Society of Radiographers.
- Demonstrate ongoing professional development and stay informed of policy, regulatory, and practice changes.
- Lead by example, promoting a learning culture and professional excellence in all areas of work.
- Comply with all Trust and legal requirements related to clinical governance and data protection.
General Duties
- Comply with Trust policies, procedures, and standards including safeguarding and confidentiality.
- Promote and role model the Trusts values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
- Take personal responsibility for health, safety, and wellbeing, and contribute to the safety of colleagues and patients.
- Contribute to departmental and Trust-wide initiatives, including sustainability, inclusion, and service innovation.
- Actively engage with Trust communication platforms, including the mandatory NHS.net email account.
Safeguarding
All staff must complete mandatory safeguarding training and be familiar with internal safeguarding processes. Concerns must be reported in accordance with Trust policy.
Infection Control
All employees are expected to follow infection prevention protocols and maintain high hygiene standards, in line with the Trusts Infection Control Policy and National Code of Practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Provide timely, effective, and compassionate ultrasound imaging services.
- Independently report on examinations and communicate findings to patients and clinicians as appropriate.
- Justify imaging referrals and reject or escalate inappropriately requested examinations.
- Use expert clinical judgement to determine appropriate imaging techniques and adapt based on patient presentation.
- Communicate effectively with patients, including those with communication challenges or cognitive impairment.
- Explain procedures, obtain informed consent, and deliver sensitive findings appropriately.
- Take patient histories and extend or tailor examinations as clinically indicated.
- Ensure safe patient transfer and adherence to manual handling protocols.
- Liaise with referrers and consultants for integrated patient care.
- Supervise student sonographers and junior staff during clinical placements.
- Ensure accurate documentation in imaging systems, including updates to electronic patient records and worklists.
- Contribute to service improvement through protocol development and extended scope practices.
- Manage clinical incidents and ensure patient safety protocols are upheld.
Management Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the ultrasound department, ensuring a responsive and efficient service.
- Develop and implement local policies and procedures, aligning with Trust and national guidance.
- Lead on operational policy changes in response to service demand and innovation.
- Monitor and report equipment performance, faults, and coordinate maintenance or escalation.
- Ensure staff meet training and competency standards and maintain records of compliance.
- Represent the ultrasound service at internal and external meetings.
- Contribute to business planning, including capital equipment purchasing and service tenders.
- Investigate and manage complaints and incidents in accordance with Trust procedures.
- Ensure effective communication, patient flow, and high service standards within ultrasound and wider Radiology.
- Maintain oversight of third-party provider performance for any outsourced ultrasound services.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Financial Management
- Ensure service is delivered within allocated budgets and seek opportunities for cost-efficiency.
- Oversee procurement of consumables and manage stock levels to support operational needs.
- Monitor and manage service and maintenance contracts.
- Support development of business cases and capital bids for service investment and development.
Performance Management
- Use performance data to assess and improve service delivery.
- Lead capacity and demand analysis and make recommendations to optimise resource utilisation.
- Report regularly on performance metrics to the Radiology leadership team.
- Align service targets with Trust objectives and monitor progress.
Professional and Practice Development, Training & Education
- Maintain personal professional development and support CPD across the ultrasound workforce.
- Lead training sessions, run supervised clinical lists, and support induction of new staff.
- Support the training of students and contribute to the development of educational programmes.
- Ensure team compliance with statutory and Trust training requirements.
- Participate in appraisals both as reviewer and reviewee, ensuring team members have personal development plans.
Research and Audit
- Participate in and lead clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with academic partners and contribute to research projects within the department.
- Ensure audit findings inform service delivery and changes in clinical practice.
- Support the development of research protocols and ethical practice within the modality.
Communication
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, and staff.
- Liaise with referrers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate, timely diagnostics and care pathways.
- Maintain open channels of communication across the Radiology department and wider Trust.
- Facilitate regular team meetings and encourage feedback and collaborative problem-solving.
- Manage queries, complaints, or concerns from patients in a professional and compassionate manner.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain registration with the HCPC and uphold professional standards set by the Society of Radiographers.
- Demonstrate ongoing professional development and stay informed of policy, regulatory, and practice changes.
- Lead by example, promoting a learning culture and professional excellence in all areas of work.
- Comply with all Trust and legal requirements related to clinical governance and data protection.
General Duties
- Comply with Trust policies, procedures, and standards including safeguarding and confidentiality.
- Promote and role model the Trusts values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
- Take personal responsibility for health, safety, and wellbeing, and contribute to the safety of colleagues and patients.
- Contribute to departmental and Trust-wide initiatives, including sustainability, inclusion, and service innovation.
- Actively engage with Trust communication platforms, including the mandatory NHS.net email account.
Safeguarding
All staff must complete mandatory safeguarding training and be familiar with internal safeguarding processes. Concerns must be reported in accordance with Trust policy.
Infection Control
All employees are expected to follow infection prevention protocols and maintain high hygiene standards, in line with the Trusts Infection Control Policy and National Code of Practice.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Personal Characteristics
Essential
- BSc Diagnostic Radiographer (or equivalent)
- Current Health and Care Professions Council Registration
- MSc/PGDip in medical ultrasound or equivalent qualification
- Extensive clinical experience in ultrasound
- Extensive leadership experience in ultrasound
- Experience in supervision and training of less experienced radiographers/sonographers, students and departmental staff
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience in demand and activity management
- Knowledge of current policies and legislation affecting service delivery
- Good organisational and leadership skills
- Effective communicator and interpersonal skills
- The ability to multitask dealing with multiple problems and distractions while working
Desirable
- Postgraduate level management qualification
- Membership of Special Interest Group
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Personal Characteristics
Essential
- BSc Diagnostic Radiographer (or equivalent)
- Current Health and Care Professions Council Registration
- MSc/PGDip in medical ultrasound or equivalent qualification
- Extensive clinical experience in ultrasound
- Extensive leadership experience in ultrasound
- Experience in supervision and training of less experienced radiographers/sonographers, students and departmental staff
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience in demand and activity management
- Knowledge of current policies and legislation affecting service delivery
- Good organisational and leadership skills
- Effective communicator and interpersonal skills
- The ability to multitask dealing with multiple problems and distractions while working
Desirable
- Postgraduate level management qualification
- Membership of Special Interest Group
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
