Northampton General Hospital

Lead QA & Trainer Radiographer (Mammography)

The closing date is 22 October 2025

Job summary

Lead QA & Trainer Radiographer - Mammography Band 7

Employer: Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

Department: Breast Imaging

Location: Forrest Centre, Northampton General Hospital

Lead QA & Trainer Radiographer - Full-time (hours worked on a day shift basis 8am-8pm Monday - Sunday)

Northampton General Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a Lead QA/Trainer Radiographer Mammographer (Band 7) in our breast imaging department, due to the retirement of the previous post holder.

We are looking to recruit an experienced Radiographer with a post qualification in mammography, who has QA training and experience relating to the NHSBSP and has completed a formal radiography training module.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of the mammography department team, delivering a high quality service to clients attending for breast cancer screening via the NHSBSP or patients attending the symptomatic breast clinic.

The focus of the role is:

To lead and co-ordinate the radiographic Quality Assurance (QA) activities undertaken within the department, ensuring optimum image quality and conformance with national standards.

To analyse the QA data, identifying trends and non-conformances and proactively address these, including identifying and implementing solutions.

As the Lead Trainer be responsible for ensuring the clinical training of all Radiographer Mammographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners is delivered and monitored, including identifying training opportunities and completing and updating the training needs analysis (TNA) for the clinical staff.

Supporting the Superintendent Radiographer in maintaining high standards of clinical care and change management, and be a positive and proactive member of the clinical team.

About us

Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.

Our Excellence Values

  • Compassion
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across UHN and help to unleash everyone's full potential.

UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

265-7452859-CSS

Job locations

Forrest Centre, Breast Screening Unit, Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Radiographic Quality Assurance Lead

Lead and co-ordinate the programme of radiographic quality assurance tests giving direction and supervision to a team of radiographer and Assistant/Associate Practitioners.

Liaise with the Medical Physics Team and advise the Superintendent Radiographer of significant changes in performance of mammographic equipment (x-ray and ultrasound).

Ensure that all tests are carried out according to national guidelines and local protocols.

Develop and implement new procedures and protocols for testing equipment when required, and give instruction to staff regarding tests.

Develop new and review existing procedural documents in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

Ensure all staff are aware of and read any procedural documents in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

Undertake the specialist task of scoring phantom images.

Monitor technical recall and technical repeat examinations ensuring action plans are developed with the Superintendent Radiographer where performance requires improvement.

Ensure the actions plans are monitored, reviewed and updated and to escalate any ongoing concerns with an individuals practice to the Superintendent Radiographer.

Lead a team of QA Radiographers, ensuring effective timely communication of any issues, actions and development in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

To ensure staff are up to date with personal Mammogram Image Evaluation.

Maintain strong close links with regional SQAS and the radiography PCA.

To supports QA visits/reviews from SQAS and assist the Superintendent Radiographer in collating evidence for submission and participating in the visit/review as the QA Lead.

Lead Mammography Trainer

Act as training lead in postgraduate mammography training for radiographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners .

To supervise and support newly qualified mammographers and radiographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners undergoing training in the Postgraduate Award in Mammography.

To scope out and identify training opportunities relevant to all levels of radiography/mammography.

To support clinical staff with the training application process and ensure timely communication with all training providers.

Provide support to clinical staff who are training staff and have regular updates with the trainer to monitor the trainees progress, and to ensure early interventions when needed.

To assist and train junior staff in own subject.

To lead other mammographer trainers ensuring standardisation of practice.

To lead the team of clinical staff trainers (for all training) and offer support and advice as needed.

To develop and train radiographers to be a part of the clinical trainer team.

To meet regularly with the Superintendent Radiographer to ensure they are appraised of the up-to-date position of all training aspects.

To assist with recruitment, induction and training of all new radiographic and mammography staff.

To support the Superintendent Radiographer with the staff appraisal process and

provide ongoing support to staff to achieve their objectives.

Management

Communicate and liaise with mammography engineers, medical physics technicians and applications specialists on a routine basis and regarding the introduction of new equipment.

Record all equipment/device faults and report online to the National Co-ordinating Centre for the Physics of Mammography database (NCCPM).

Attend and participate in the Regional QA groups.

To act as deputy in the daily running of the department in the absence of theSuperintendent.

To attend any relevant meetings both on and off site such as but not limited to,

SQAS, Superintendents meetings and IRMER meetings.

To liaise effectively and positively with all staff in the unit and others as appropriate.

To have where needed difficult conversations with staff in relation to training and/orQA and be able to provide the appropriate advice and direction,supported by the Superintendent Radiographer.

To be able to utilise your expertise and experience, to use your initiative to identify early any risks, and assist the Superintendent Radiographer in identifyingsolutions and implementing actions.

To support the Superintendent Radiographer in ensuring all clinical staff are workingwithin the Trust Values and be able to challenge behaviour that isnt, in a professional and respectful manner.

To be a positive role model and lead by example with all behaviors and practices.

To support the BSU managerial team with a positive approach to any changemanagement process within the department and offer solutions when issues areidentified.

Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with Radiographic quality control.

To develop procedural documents relevant to the role, inline with the Trust Policy.

Ensure all clinical procedural documents are reviewed as required and that staffare aware of any changes.

General Tasks

Perform mammography examinations on symptomatic and asymptomatic patientsat both the static and mobile sites.

To perform specialised mammography techniques including stereotactic biopsies in screening and symptomatic assessment clinics.

To consistently carry out mammography examinations to a standard which meets the NHSBSP Quality Assurance Guidelines for Mammography.

Plan and prioritise own workload in order to maintain the service and clinic workflow.

Work within the protocols of the departments Quality Management System withparticular regard to IR(ME)R.

To be a fully participating member of the multi-disciplinary breast team.

Know the local protocols for Right Results reporting and ensure all documentationis correctly completed.

Undertake x-ray imaging of theatre and laboratory specimens.

Maintain professional standards by regularly assessing own images using Image

Evaluation sheet and to participate in peer review activities to measure, monitor and maintain high mammography standards.

To participate in CPD sessions including the teaching of others in organised CPDevents.

Know and work within regulations governing:

  • IRMER

  • Radiation Protection

  • COSHH

  • Health and Safety

  • Fire

  • Data protection

To have the ability to access and navigate the National Breast Screening Servicecomputer system in order to obtain information.

To comply with national, hospital and departmental policies in order to provide asafe and effective working and patient environment for all staff and patients.

To maintain own CPD file and ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date and appropriate for the role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Radiographic Quality Assurance Lead

Lead and co-ordinate the programme of radiographic quality assurance tests giving direction and supervision to a team of radiographer and Assistant/Associate Practitioners.

Liaise with the Medical Physics Team and advise the Superintendent Radiographer of significant changes in performance of mammographic equipment (x-ray and ultrasound).

Ensure that all tests are carried out according to national guidelines and local protocols.

Develop and implement new procedures and protocols for testing equipment when required, and give instruction to staff regarding tests.

Develop new and review existing procedural documents in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

Ensure all staff are aware of and read any procedural documents in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

Undertake the specialist task of scoring phantom images.

Monitor technical recall and technical repeat examinations ensuring action plans are developed with the Superintendent Radiographer where performance requires improvement.

Ensure the actions plans are monitored, reviewed and updated and to escalate any ongoing concerns with an individuals practice to the Superintendent Radiographer.

Lead a team of QA Radiographers, ensuring effective timely communication of any issues, actions and development in relation to radiographic quality assurance.

To ensure staff are up to date with personal Mammogram Image Evaluation.

Maintain strong close links with regional SQAS and the radiography PCA.

To supports QA visits/reviews from SQAS and assist the Superintendent Radiographer in collating evidence for submission and participating in the visit/review as the QA Lead.

Lead Mammography Trainer

Act as training lead in postgraduate mammography training for radiographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners .

To supervise and support newly qualified mammographers and radiographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners undergoing training in the Postgraduate Award in Mammography.

To scope out and identify training opportunities relevant to all levels of radiography/mammography.

To support clinical staff with the training application process and ensure timely communication with all training providers.

Provide support to clinical staff who are training staff and have regular updates with the trainer to monitor the trainees progress, and to ensure early interventions when needed.

To assist and train junior staff in own subject.

To lead other mammographer trainers ensuring standardisation of practice.

To lead the team of clinical staff trainers (for all training) and offer support and advice as needed.

To develop and train radiographers to be a part of the clinical trainer team.

To meet regularly with the Superintendent Radiographer to ensure they are appraised of the up-to-date position of all training aspects.

To assist with recruitment, induction and training of all new radiographic and mammography staff.

To support the Superintendent Radiographer with the staff appraisal process and

provide ongoing support to staff to achieve their objectives.

Management

Communicate and liaise with mammography engineers, medical physics technicians and applications specialists on a routine basis and regarding the introduction of new equipment.

Record all equipment/device faults and report online to the National Co-ordinating Centre for the Physics of Mammography database (NCCPM).

Attend and participate in the Regional QA groups.

To act as deputy in the daily running of the department in the absence of theSuperintendent.

To attend any relevant meetings both on and off site such as but not limited to,

SQAS, Superintendents meetings and IRMER meetings.

To liaise effectively and positively with all staff in the unit and others as appropriate.

To have where needed difficult conversations with staff in relation to training and/orQA and be able to provide the appropriate advice and direction,supported by the Superintendent Radiographer.

To be able to utilise your expertise and experience, to use your initiative to identify early any risks, and assist the Superintendent Radiographer in identifyingsolutions and implementing actions.

To support the Superintendent Radiographer in ensuring all clinical staff are workingwithin the Trust Values and be able to challenge behaviour that isnt, in a professional and respectful manner.

To be a positive role model and lead by example with all behaviors and practices.

To support the BSU managerial team with a positive approach to any changemanagement process within the department and offer solutions when issues areidentified.

Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with Radiographic quality control.

To develop procedural documents relevant to the role, inline with the Trust Policy.

Ensure all clinical procedural documents are reviewed as required and that staffare aware of any changes.

General Tasks

Perform mammography examinations on symptomatic and asymptomatic patientsat both the static and mobile sites.

To perform specialised mammography techniques including stereotactic biopsies in screening and symptomatic assessment clinics.

To consistently carry out mammography examinations to a standard which meets the NHSBSP Quality Assurance Guidelines for Mammography.

Plan and prioritise own workload in order to maintain the service and clinic workflow.

Work within the protocols of the departments Quality Management System withparticular regard to IR(ME)R.

To be a fully participating member of the multi-disciplinary breast team.

Know the local protocols for Right Results reporting and ensure all documentationis correctly completed.

Undertake x-ray imaging of theatre and laboratory specimens.

Maintain professional standards by regularly assessing own images using Image

Evaluation sheet and to participate in peer review activities to measure, monitor and maintain high mammography standards.

To participate in CPD sessions including the teaching of others in organised CPDevents.

Know and work within regulations governing:

  • IRMER

  • Radiation Protection

  • COSHH

  • Health and Safety

  • Fire

  • Data protection

To have the ability to access and navigate the National Breast Screening Servicecomputer system in order to obtain information.

To comply with national, hospital and departmental policies in order to provide asafe and effective working and patient environment for all staff and patients.

To maintain own CPD file and ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date and appropriate for the role.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • BSc Radiography & trained mammographer
  • Trained in NHSBSP QA
  • Educated with a formal radiography training module
  • Previous mammography experience working in the UK with the NHSBSP (NHS Breast Screening Programme) within the last two years

Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience writing procedural documents
  • Ability to accurately input and interpret data and act upon findings if necessary
  • Experience of training staff
  • Experience of being involved with change management positive and proactively
  • Experience of leading others and being a proactive positive role model

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including having challenging conversations

Skills

Essential

  • Good concentration skills and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
  • Proven ability in proactively solving complex problems
  • Effective team facilitation and motivational skills
  • Ability to identify the need for interventions within training programmes/students
  • Proven ability in proactively solving complex problems
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including having challenging conversations
Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • BSc Radiography & trained mammographer
  • Trained in NHSBSP QA
  • Educated with a formal radiography training module
  • Previous mammography experience working in the UK with the NHSBSP (NHS Breast Screening Programme) within the last two years

Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience writing procedural documents
  • Ability to accurately input and interpret data and act upon findings if necessary
  • Experience of training staff
  • Experience of being involved with change management positive and proactively
  • Experience of leading others and being a proactive positive role model

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including having challenging conversations

Skills

Essential

  • Good concentration skills and the ability to prioritise and work under pressure Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
  • Proven ability in proactively solving complex problems
  • Effective team facilitation and motivational skills
  • Ability to identify the need for interventions within training programmes/students
  • Proven ability in proactively solving complex problems
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including having challenging conversations

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).

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.

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).

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

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Forrest Centre, Breast Screening Unit, Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD


Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Forrest Centre, Breast Screening Unit, Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD


Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Direector of Screening, Consultant Radiographer

Nancy Layt

nancy.layt@nhs.net

01604544061

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

265-7452859-CSS

Job locations

Forrest Centre, Breast Screening Unit, Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville

Northampton

NN1 5BD


Supporting documents

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