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Clinical Lead (Ceannaire Cliniciúil) National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Non RCPI Employee, Frederick House
Part-time
Freelancer

Company Description

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.

Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.

Job Description

Job Title and Grade
 		Clinical Lead (Ceannaire Cliniciúil)
National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology  
2.5 days per week / 0.5 WTE for a two-year period
 
This appointment will be on the basis of grade-to-grade reassignment/secondment and current remuneration will apply.
Terms and ConditionsThe successful candidate will retain all current terms and conditions (including remuneration and annual leave) on reassignment/secondment into the role.
The standard working week associated with this post is 0.5 WTE per week, Monday to Friday. (Specific working days to be agreed on appointment). Clinical Practice will be facilitated.
Closing Date17 April 2026 at 5pm
Proposed Interview date(s)Skills-match interviews will take place after the shortlisting process is completed. Please note that this may be at short notice.
Taking up AppointmentThe successful candidate will be expected to take up post as soon as possible after the completion of the selection process but no later than two months after the post has been offered.
Location of Post
 		The successful candidate will maintain their existing base/location of work and will be expected to be available for meetings as required at other locations.
Organisational AreaOffice of National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead (NCAGL) Acutes, Clinical Design and Innovation, Office of the Chief Clinical Officer
Informal EnquiriesFor Informal Enquiries, please refer to:
Dr. Michael O’Connor
National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead (NCAGL) Acutes 
Office of NCAGL Acutes, Clinical Design and Innovation | Office of the Chief Clinical Officer
Email: ncagl.acutehospitals@hse.ie
Details of Service
 
 		Clinical Design and Innovation | Office of the Chief Clinical Officer
The Office of the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) was established as part of an overall investment by the HSE to strengthen governance and accountability for the planning and delivery of high-quality services with the aim of driving transformational change across our healthcare system through clinical leadership, design of new models of care, promotion of a culture of safety and quality improvements; through patient and service user involvement.
The Clinical Design and Innovation (CDI) function, reporting to the National Clinical Director of Integrated Care, within of the Office of the CCO provides Clinical Innovation, Design Leadership and Direction to strategic decisions across the wider organisation.
For further information click on the following link provided:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/
NCAGL Structure:
The core role of the Office of the NCAGL in Acutes is to provide clinical leadership and guidance to effect the development and implementation of best practice care pathways and models of care and a coordinated approach to integrated, patient centred care that is sustainable into the future.
Details of the ProgrammeNational Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology provides guidance for the facilitation of self-management, primary care management and acute hospital management of patients as appropriate. It takes into consideration the progression to and the development of integrated care as a major element of reform to the health and social care system in Ireland.
Programme Aims & Objectives:
The National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (NCPG&H) aims to provide high quality, evidence based, equitable, appropriate, cost effective and well planned care to those accessing associated healthcare services in Ireland. 
The NCPG&H comprises a Clinical Lead, a Programme Manager, in conjunction with the nominated Leads for each of the identified Working Groups. Currently the National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology comprises of 6 working groups: 
  • Functional Bowel Disease (FBD) Working Group
  • Hepatology Working Group
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Working Group
  • Intestinal Failure (IF) Working Group
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology Paediatric Working Group
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology Workforce Planning Working Group
A lead Consultant has been appointed for each working group.
Reporting Relationship
 		The successful post holder will report to the NCAGL Office for Acutes. The Clinical Lead should keep the programme’s Clinical Advisory Group (CAG), housed in the RCPI, abreast of their programme of work and progress of this work at regular intervals and no less than a quarterly basis.
Liaise with General Manager, Clinical Design & Innovation relating to the management and operation of the reassignment / secondment.
Key Working RelationshipsThe proper execution of duties will involve the development of appropriate communication arrangements with key stakeholders, both internal and external. These include, but are not limited:
  • National Clinical Director, Integrated Care and team
  • HSE National Directors, National Clinical Advisor and Group Leads, Hospital CEOs, REOs, Clinical Directors, Consultants, GPs, Directors of Nursing, HSCPs HSE National Services, Department of Health, postgraduate training bodies and professional representative groups
  • National Clinical Programme Leads: the appropriate Programme Managers & HSCP Leads, Nurse Leads as well as Management within designated NCAGL office
  • The post holder will work to build relationships across the Health Regions with all key stakeholders
 
Purpose of the Post 
 		The successful post holder will work with the key stakeholders will provide leadership and director to plan and deliver the required outputs to realise assigned strategic priorities, while ensuring the patient voice is included in their work.
The Clinical Lead as part of the Programme will work to improve the quality of patient care delivered by:
  • Developing patient-centred models of care (as required)
  • Developing clinical pathways for access to diagnosis and treatment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology related illness
  • Designing cross-service solutions and integrated care pathways to support safe equitable access to care in the appropriate setting
  • Creating guidelines for Gastroenterology and Hepatology services
  • Optimising healthcare resources
  • Ensuring ongoing quality improvement in alignment with HSE priorities
The current vacancy will be filled based on a reassignment/secondment. It will be for a 2 year fixed duration time period.
Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership
  • To act as the Clinical Lead for NCP Gastroenterology and Hepatology to develop and support the implementation of a framework for the delivery of a sustainable and safe service on a national level.
  • Agree on annual priorities, outcomes, deliverables and work plan for the National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in consultation with the National Clinical Advisor & Group Lead Clinical Acute Operations and the National Clinical Director for Integrated Care
  • Oversee the development of clinical designs such as model of care, patient modernised care pathways, clinical practice guidance and so forth.
  • To provide expert clinical advice and leadership for relevant matters. 
  • Provide clinical design & innovation leadership, expert clinical advice and practical support and direction concerning the development of clinical practice guidance in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
  • Provide clinical advice and expertise where relevant to the clinical programme and as requested by the HSE Consultants Applications Advisory Committee.
  • Guides and supports the implementation of relevant elements of their relevant NCP, and its Strategies, Models of Care, Guidelines etc. to bring about positive change within the health service
  • To identify evidence-based metrics, KPIs and outcomes for internal and external benchmarking.
  • Providing clinical leadership for the NCP Gastroenterology and Hepatology, by identifying and setting priorities, steering the work of the Programme, engaging and collaborating with clinical colleagues nationally including other clinical leads, REOs patients and patient advocacy organisations and all other relevant stakeholders. 
  • Links with the relevant clinical advisory committee to oversee, update, and plan and design of Model of Care, patient pathways and guidance. This must adopt a strategic, integrated and equitable approach to planning and developing Gastroenterology and Hepatology services that will meet the needs of the population of Ireland into the future.
  • Support clinical audit, data collection and relevant quality improvement initiatives.
  • Work with relevant patient groups and patient representatives to ensure the voice of the patient is considered as practices and guidelines are developed and defined. 
  • Contributes as a clinical subject matter expert to the development of key materials, as required.
  • Supports and identifies Steering Groups, Working Groups, and Work streams, where appropriate
  • Manage the NCP work programme and team, including assigning duties and delivery of programme of work.
 
  • Guides and supports the implementation of relevant elements of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Programme and its Strategies, Models of Care, Guidelines, Clinical Care Pathways etc.
Other
  • Make information available with respect to PQs or Reps for Government and so forth as required.
  • Adhere to the HSE Communications protocol for any interaction with the press or media and in relation to any public relations events or queries and also Government Agencies.
  • Adhere to the HSE National Financial Regulations for any expenditure or costs associated with the programme of work.
  • Comply with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation
  • Comply with the Ethics in Public Office and the Controls Assurance Statement process as required. 
  • Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders.
 
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria 
 
Qualifications and/ or experience  		This campaign is confined to staff who are currently employed by the HSE, TUSLA, other statutory health agencies*, or a body which provides services on behalf of the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 as per Workplace Relations Commission agreement -161867  
* View the list of other statutory health agencies 
Eligible candidates must have on the closing date of application:  
  1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc
 
Eligible applicants will be those, who on the closing date for the competition: 
 
  1. Are currently employedwithin the area of Acute MedicineatConsultant/Clinical DirectororSpecialistlevel withaminimum of 5 years’ experience.
AND 
  1. Registered with the Medical Council of Ireland on the specialist division of the register.
AND 
  1. Possess the requisite clinical, leadership,knowledgeand the ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
 
  1. Health
 
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.  
 
  1. Character
 
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character. 
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge 
 
 		Professional Knowledge & Clinical Expertise:  
 
Demonstrates: 
  • Substantial professional knowledge and clinicalexpertisewithin the area of specialist care
 
Leadership, and Direction:  
 
Demonstrates:  
  • Credibility and ability to command respect as a recognised clinical leader within the clinical community, with a good understanding of the HSE Corporate andNationalService Plans,DoHpolicies,Sláintecareand related requirements of clinical leaders.
  • An understandingofHealth Informatics, data metrics, KPIs, Outcome Frameworks (such as HSPA)and Standards setting.
  • Experience in providing significant senior clinician input to operational decision-making.
  • A track recordas an effective leader who has developed effective teams and driven and delivered sustainable change programmes to transform clinical services.
  • A capacity tooperatesuccessfully in a challenging environment.
  • A commitment to and focus on quality and promotinghigh standardsto improve patient outcomes, by consistently putting service users and clinicians at the heart of decision-making and involving patients and the public in their work.
 
Results focused with critical analysis and decision making: 
 
Demonstrates: 
  • Strong personal emphasis on achievinghigh standardsof excellence and willingness to take personal responsibility toinitiateactivities and driveobjectivesthrough to a conclusion.
  • Ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information, maketimelydecisions and take ownership of those decisions and their implications.
  • Capacity toanticipateproblems and to recognise when to involve other parties at theappropriate timeand level.
  • Uses evidence to make improvements and seeks out innovations.
  • Adequatelyidentifies,managesand reports on risk within area of responsibility.
 
Working with and through others 
 
Demonstrates: 
  • An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering theobjectivesof the role.
  • An ability to build excellent collaborative networks anda track recordof building andmaintainingkey internal and external relationships in furtherance of organisational goals.
  • Highly developed communication skills, which include an ability to convey clinical priorities and complex messages to colleagues, various stakeholders,mediaand interest groups.
 
Other requirements specific to the post Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as the post will involve travel. 
Flexibility in relation to working hours is also required to meet any urgent needs that may arise. 
Campaign Specific Selection Process 
 
Ranking, Shortlisting & Interview 		Applications should be made by CV, together with a brief statement clearly indicating your relevant experience by email through the RCPI website. 
The closing date for receipt of applications is 19 March 2026 at 5pm 
 
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out based on information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. 
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the recruitment process. 
 
This position is being filled by the HSE based on a reassignment/secondment with a commitment to fund on a 0.5 WTE basis, but an increase in WTE limit to support a backfill cannot be provided; therefore, if the successful candidate selected through this process cannot obtain the support for their release from their position with their substantive employer, then unfortunately the candidate must be deemed ineligible to take up the role. 
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion  
 		The HSE is an equal opportunities employer. 
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.  
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.  
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.  
Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion 
Code of Practice The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA)The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process. 
 
Read the CPSA Code of Practice. 
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on these roles, and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.  
In particular, CDI, Office of the Chief Clinical Officer, reserves the right to reassign the successful post holder to other programmes and related projects, based on the on-going operational needs of the Function. 
This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned. 
See link for Full job description

About us

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.

Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.