About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Family Liaison & Governance Officer to join the Trust on a part time basis, in a trust wide position sitting within the Nursing and Quality Directorate. This is a unique and influential role that combines patient safety, governance expertise, and family-centred support following serious patient safety incidents and unexpected deaths.
The Family Liaison & Governance Officer will work as part of the Quality Governance Team, and will function as the Trust's lead specialist in family liaison and relational patient safety practice, providing expert advice and support to support families, friends and carers through the difficult process of an investigation into an unexpected death or significant patient safety incident which has occurred within a service provided by the Trust, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
The postholder will support the Associate Director of Quality Governance & Risk, Head of Quality Governance, patient safety colleagues, and service lines, with the overview and co-ordinating function for leading and developing the Trust approach to supporting families, friends and carers post a patient safety incident.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will lead and contribute to the local delivery of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework and Learning from Patient Safety Events, ensuring we meet system-wide and national requirements and expectations particularly around the engagement of those affected following a significant incident.
Working across the Trust and with external partners, including Coroners, legal representatives and healthcare providers, you will help shape and embed a culture of learning, transparency and continuous improvement in line with the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and Duty of Candour requirements
We are looking for an individual with skills and significant expertise and experience in patient safety, governance, risk management or complex case management. You will possess exceptional communication skills and the emotional intelligence required to support people through distressing and sensitive situations
About us
Unless expressly stated in the job advert this role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Job description Job responsibilities
This is an interesting, varied and high-profile post working across the whole organisation. You will be working with a committed team of individuals to help shape future ways of working which will help our Trust to become an outstanding organisation for our patients and staff. You will provide expert support and guidance to bereaved families, carers and friends throughout investigation and inquest processes. Lead sensitive discussions with families, ensuring their voices are heard and their questions inform investigations. Work closely with investigators, patient safety teams, service lines, Coroners and external agencies to coordinate effective engagement and support. Embed learning from family experiences into organisational governance, patient safety and quality improvement activities. Design and deliver training to improve communication and engagement with families following harm events and deaths.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Substantial senior-level experience in patient safety, governance, risk management or complex case management Demonstrable experience of leading organisation-wide initiatives or service development Experience of managing highly complex, sensitive and emotionally charged situations, including bereavement or harm Experience of influencing and working effectively with senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries Significant knowledge of mental health or community health services
Desirable
Experience undertaking Patient Safety Incident Investigations (PSII) Experience of education, training or practice development Experience of Managing Budget
Training & Qualifications Essential
Master's degree or equivalent level of experience Evidence of ongoing professional development and senior leadership development
Desirable
Registered healthcare professional or equivalent senior professional background Specialist training in patient safety / human factors / investigation methodology
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.
Employer details Employer name South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Address Tolworth Hospital
Red Lion Road Surbiton
Surrey, London
KT6 7QU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)