Job overview
The Cancer Division at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust (UHSx) is looking to recruit to a 4 PA Geriatrician (COE) Consultant role for a newly funded project for onco-frailty patients. The purpose of this is to create and deliver a stratified approach to frailty with a multifunctional generic toolkit at the beginning of the pathway & access to specialist review and services at the end.
This role will offer the postholder an opportunity to be part of an innovative project, develop leadership & project management skills, deliver tangible recommendations and work across a variety of clinical specialisms, ie, oncology, care of the elderly and palliative care.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will work in a multi-professional team to develop this onco-frailty project using published work and best practice to inform. It is important that the successful candidate has flexibility and resilience as problem solving skills will be needed along with logical thinking and decision making to progress this work. The Geriatrician consultant will provide expertise to the project group along with other speciality consultants.
Key will be the ability to identify opportunities and work these through, not being afraid to try and test different options. Therefore excellent communication both oral and written will be needed, to present ideas and to work in a multi-disciplinary team and accept challenge and feedback and being able to communicate and provide empathy and understanding to this patient group.
Clinically the postholder will need to maintain their own professional development and will require to adhere to the GMC Good Medical Practice.
It is also required to ensure compliance with UHSx clinical governance framework, motivate colleagues, champion service user safety and dignity and drive continuous improvement.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached document for job description & person specification. Important information to note: This transformative/innovative role has been funded by Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA). Our mission is to:
• Reduce variation and inequalities in the delivery of cancer services across Surrey and Sussex
• Improve accessibility of cancer services across Surrey and Sussex
• Improve survivorship and outcomes for patients diagnosed with a cancer
• Share best practice, innovation, and learning. As an Alliance, we see these roles as a development opportunity and as such seek ambitious, passionate applicants who are looking to build on their clinical expertise by adding management and leadership skills to their portfolio. To enable you to be successful in this post, SSCA will support your professional growth by providing you with additional training and exposure to colleagues with varied skill sets to help develop your;
• professional confidence
• critical and strategic thinking
• understanding and writing business cases
• leadership skills – particularly around understanding performance and data and change management
• understanding of organisational change as well as the wider context of the NHS. You will be given 6 days per year to attend development and training opportunities within SSCA including an induction covering many of the subjects outlined above
-Interviews are tentatively planned to take place on 21 November and applicants will be informed of any changes accordingly.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
Basic Medical Degree
MB BS, MRCP+SCE or appropriate specialist qualification
Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
CCT in Geriatric medicine or equivalent
Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register
Desirable criteria
Higher Degree
Knowledge
Desirable criteria
Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Clinical Skills & Experience
Essential criteria
Evidence of training in broad spectrum of geriatric/ care of elderly medicine
Desirable criteria
Experience in frailty medicine
Experience in onco-frailty
Organisation & planning
Essential criteria
Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching skills
Essential criteria
Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
Recognised teaching qualification
Academic & Research
Essential criteria
Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
Research experience
Publications
Prizes and honours
Career Progression
Essential criteria
Appropriate progression of career to date
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
Evidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
