Band 8a - Deputy CNS Breast Screening Services

Band 8a - Deputy CNS Breast Screening Services

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Deputy Cross‑Site Clinical Nurse Specialist (Band 8a) to join the Breast Screening Services at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

We are seeking an innovative and compassionate clinical leader with a strong commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care and improving outcomes while reducing health inequalities.

This pivotal role supports the Lead CNS in providing clinical, operational, and strategic leadership across four services:
North London, Central and East London, West of London, and Outer North East London Breast Screening Services. The post‑holder will play a key role in strengthening nurse‑led pathways and ensuring a consistent, high‑quality service in line with NHSBSP standards.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, the role will support service development, enhance patient experience, and improve access across a diverse population. There is a strong focus on integration, standardisation, and continuous improvement across the screening pathway.

The successful candidate will bring extensive breast cancer experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to drive improvement across a complex multi‑site service.

• Support the Lead CNS in providing strategic and operational leadership across multiple breast screening services.
• Deliver expert clinical advice and leadership in complex patient care and breast screening pathways.
• Ensure the delivery of safe, high‑quality, and patient‑centred care in line with NHSBSP standards.
• Lead, support, and develop the CNS workforce, including supervision, appraisal, and performance management.
• Contribute to service improvement, transformation, and quality assurance initiatives across all sites.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective, seamless patient pathways.
• Support clinical governance, including audit, incident management, risk management, and complaints handling.
• Promote equity of access and lead initiatives to reduce health inequalities across the service population.
• Deputise for the Lead CNS, providing leadership, oversight, and decision‑making as required.

• Registered Nurse (RN) with current NMC registration.
• Degree in Nursing or relevant healthcare discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Postgraduate qualification in cancer care / breast care or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Teaching, mentorship or leadership qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Have/Working towards a Master’s level qualification.

• Significant post‑registration experience in breast cancer care at senior CNS level.
• Experience of managing complex patient pathways across screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Experience of leading or contributing to service development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience of clinical leadership, including supervision, mentorship, and line management of staff.
• Experience of managing complaints, incidents, and contributing to investigations.
• Experience of multidisciplinary team (MDT) working and collaboration across organisations.
• Experience of audit, governance, and performance monitoring.
• Experience of working within the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP).

• In‑depth knowledge of breast cancer care pathways and treatment options.
• Knowledge of clinical governance, risk management, and patient safety frameworks.
• Understanding of current national policies, strategic priorities, and health inequalities within cancer services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and responsibilities.
• Understanding of workforce planning, service delivery, and performance management.
• Comprehensive understanding of NHSBSP standards, targets, and quality assurance processes.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to convey complex and sensitive information.
• Ability to provide expert clinical advice and support in complex situations.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage…