Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description for more detail around main responsibilities and specification requirements

This vacancy has been advertised in accordance with the new NHS pay rate which will take effect from autumn 2024. Please note if your employment starts before the 24/25 pay scales are implemented you will be paid under the 23/24 pay scales and any backpay will be adjusted accordingly. Further information can be found at https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202425.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Infection Control

Infection control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.

It is the duty of every member of staff to take personal responsibility for the prevention and control of infection, as laid down in the Trust’s polices and procedures which reflect the statutory requirements of the Hygiene Code.

·       To work in close collaboration with the Infection Control Team.

·       To ensure that monitoring of clinical practice is undertaken at the agreed frequency.

·       To ensure that the ward environments are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards; ensuring that shortfalls are rectified, or escalate as necessary.

·       To ensure that all relevant monitoring data and issues are provided to the Directorate’s Governance structures.

·       To ensure that all staff are released to attend infection control-related educational sessions and staff with specialist roles, e.g. link practitioners, are released to undertake their duties.

Health and Safety at Work

The post holder is required to:

·      Take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and other persons who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.

·      Co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are complied with.

Confidentiality & Data Protection

The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and maintain confidentiality of staff, patients and Trust business.

If you are required to process information, you should do so in a fair and lawful way, ensuring accuracy is maintained. You should hold information only for the specific registered purpose and not use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such a purpose.

You should disclose information only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed. Breaches of confidentiality in relation to information will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. Employees are expected to comply with all Trust policies and procedures and to work in accordance of the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation 2018. For those posts where there is management or supervision of other staff it is the responsibility of that employee to ensure that their staff receive appropriate training (e.g. HISS induction, organising refresher sessions for staff when necessary.)

Conflict of Interest

The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position, to gain or benefit themselves, their family or friends.

Equality and Diversity

The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised. The Trust aims to ensure that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background or employment status, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership. Selection for training and development and promotion will be on the basis of the individual’s ability to meet the requirements for the job.

You are responsible for ensuring that the Trust’s policies, procedures and obligation in respect of promoting equality and diversity are adhered to in relation to both staff and services.

Vulnerable Groups

To carry out responsibilities in such a way as to minimise risk of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare in accordance with the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Care Act 2014

Smoke Free

The Trust implements a Smoke Free policy that applies to all staff. Staff are not allowed to smoke while wearing a recognisable Trust uniform or visible trust identification badge, and not allowed to smoke anywhere on hospital grounds.  Staff are not allowed to take additional breaks in order to smoke. They may smoke during designated breaks but only out of uniform and off site. Staff contravening this policy may be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Standards of dress

All staff are expected to abide by the Trust’s guidance on standards of dress.

This job description outlines the current main responsibilities of the post. However the duties of the post may change and develop over time and may therefore be amended in consultation with the post holder.

Sustainability

The Trust places great importance on sustainable development, reducing their carbon footprint and maximising the positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes of Trust actions and activities. As an employee it will be your responsibility to minimise your environmental impact, use resources efficiently, saving energy by switching off unnecessary equipment, reducing waste generation, using recycling/redistribution facilities, minimising travel, and saving water when possible. If your role involves purchasing/ordering supplies, you must consider the environmental impacts and purchase optimal sustainable products and services.

Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore expected to be aware of the Greener RFL & NHS agenda (via induction/ESR/other training) and actively encouraged/supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise that reduce harmful emissions and waste.