Go back
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 4 - EQA Assistant Practitioner, UK NEQAS

The closing date is 16 March 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with experience in laboratory work who is passionate about blood science and enjoys a dynamic work environment, balancing busy and quieter days, to join thededicated UK NEQAS Blood Transfusion Laboratory Practice (BTLP) team.

The position is full-time (37.5 hours/week), on a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave until mid-July 2027.

UK NEQAS BTLP plays a vital role in supporting transfusion laboratories worldwide. We distribute blood samples to transfusion labs, who test and submit their results online. Our team then analyses these results, identifying errors and trends, and provides feedback to help laboratories improve their practices before any patient is impacted.

Main duties of the job

The main tasks and overview of responsibilities include:

  • Working with a variety of blood products to assist in the preparation of survey material.
  • Assisting in the laboratory testing of exercise material that includes blood grouping, antibody screening and identification, antibody titration, phenotyping, and FMH acid elution.
  • Preparation of paperwork to accompany the survey material.
  • Undertakes automated and manual bottling of whole blood, red cells and plasma.
  • Responding to participants via phone and email.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Details

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,860 to £31,671 a year inc HCA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

15 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

360-C-11090

Job locations

Croxley Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description for detailed information regarding the job responsibilities and requirements.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description for detailed information regarding the job responsibilities and requirements.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications:

Essential

  • Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent).

Desirable

  • Level 3 (A levels or equivalent).

Knowledge:

Essential

  • An awareness of good laboratory practice, manufacturing practice or similar.
  • An understanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.

Desirable

  • Basic knowledge of laboratory operation or similar environment.
  • Knowledge of the role of EQA as part of quality assurance.

Experience:

Essential

  • Practical laboratory or similar experience.
  • Basic experience with word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
  • Data entry or keyboard experience.

Desirable

  • Working in a healthcare setting, Haematology or Transfusion laboratory, EQA, pathology reception setting.
  • Experience of EQA software use.
Person Specification

Education and qualifications:

Essential

  • Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent).

Desirable

  • Level 3 (A levels or equivalent).

Knowledge:

Essential

  • An awareness of good laboratory practice, manufacturing practice or similar.
  • An understanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.

Desirable

  • Basic knowledge of laboratory operation or similar environment.
  • Knowledge of the role of EQA as part of quality assurance.

Experience:

Essential

  • Practical laboratory or similar experience.
  • Basic experience with word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
  • Data entry or keyboard experience.

Desirable

  • Working in a healthcare setting, Haematology or Transfusion laboratory, EQA, pathology reception setting.
  • Experience of EQA software use.

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

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Croxley Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX


Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Croxley Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX


Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Acting Director, UK NEQAS BTLP

Katy Veale

Katy.veale2@nhs.net

01923587111

Details

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,860 to £31,671 a year inc HCA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

15 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

360-C-11090

Job locations

Croxley Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)