University Hospitals Sussex is the subject of an important Independent Maternit y Review (IMR), commissioned by the Department of Health on behalf of the Secretary of State. This I s due to commence in October 2026 and is expected to last at least 3 years. The review will e xamine approximately 1,000 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, neonatal harm due to severe brain injury and severe maternal harm dating back to at least 2018 to understand what happened, reach conclusions on the care provided, provide answers for families and identify learning for the organisation and wider NHS . The review is, by its’ very n ature, extremely sensitive and politically charged. The impact is expected to be significant for the families at the heart of the review , current and past staff and the wider organisation .
The two Quality Leads will be recognised as experts in their field , with deep understanding of best practice in investigating and responding to incidents of potential or actual harm or poor patient experience, current clinical best practice, regulatory and professional standards for nurses and midwives . They will have led investigative work in their specialty and been involved in providing sensitive, potentially challenging and emotionally demanding debriefs for families suffering healthcare harm.
They will work as part of a new central team which manages the response to the review , attend ing daily huddles and the weekly Expert Panel to advise the Trust on how best to meet the diverse range of requests and escalations coming into the contact centre from the IMR team, families , staff and external bodies . They will be expected to lead responses to individual requests such as conducting clinical case reviews and conducting debriefs with families, working alongside medical colleagues in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Neonatology. They are also expected to support Perinatal Services to take emergent learning from the IMR , embed it in the improvement programme for the services and demonstrate the benefits to our stakeholders . As well as their depth of knowledge and experience , the ability to remain calm whilst working under pressure and with high levels of scrutiny are critical attributes for the Quality Leads . The post s require significant attention to detail, skills in problem solving and a level of maturity to foresee and pre-empt risks . The roles should demonstrate compassionate leadership and restorative principles in communicating with our families and our staff . Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and the sensitive handling of confidential information are essential.
L eadership
Quality & Safety
Care of Patients and Families
Information Management
Human Resources
Financial and Physical Resources
Learning and Development
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: IMR & Bramber Core team, Perinatal Directorate leadership team, Women Children and CSS Divisional Leadership Team, Maternity and Neonatal governance leads , C linicians and managers working in Perinatal Services, Digital and IG Team, Legal Team, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Team , Professional Standards and HR , Professional Midwifery and Nurse Advocates in Perinatal Services.
External: IMR team, NHSE Maternity and Obstetric Improvemen t Advisors , CQC , NMC , Families.
