Specimen Reception Team Leader BSPC

Job OverviewThe Blood Sciences Specimen Reception Team Leader will oversee the daily operations and supervision of the Specimen Reception Team at Frimley Park Hospital (FPH), ensuring an efficient, high-quality, and timely service to all departments.The post holder will support the departmental manager with staff supervision, performance management, and training, while addressing non-conformities and operational issues to maintain service standards and compliance.They will also contribute directly to the smooth running of Pathology services, including the accurate receipt, labelling, and data entry of specimens into the laboratory information system to ensure reliable patient results.This hands-on leadership role requires strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills to maintain an effective workflow and uphold the department’s commitment to patient care and service excellence.This role is primarily based at Frimley Park Hospital.Main duties of the jobThe Specimen Reception Team Leader will provide day-to-day supervision and leadership of the Specimen Reception Team, ensuring an efficient, accurate, and high-quality service to all departments. They will support the manager with staff-related matters, including performance management, rota coordination, and team development.The post holder will participate in the delivery of Pathology services as needed, ensuring the timely and accurate processing, labelling, and data entry of specimens into the Pathology computer system.They will take responsibility for quality management activities, addressing non-conformities, maintaining compliance with departmental standards, and driving continuous improvement.The role also includes maintaining operational efficiency, accuracy, and patient safety, while providing guidance, training, and support to team members to promote a positive, high-performing working environment.Working for our organisationFrimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.Frimley Health Trust benefits on VimeoDetailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesThe Specimen Reception Team Leader will communicate regularly with staff to ensure effective coordination of operational procedures, departmental objectives, and service delivery.They will attend meetings, liaise with internal and external users, and maintain professional communication across all levels to support a seamless pathology service.The post holder will supervise daily staff activity, ensuring adherence to departmental standards, managing leave, supporting training, appraisals, and performance improvement.They will oversee accurate data entry on the Pathology system, maintain filing systems, and ensure smooth air-tube operations.The role includes monitoring workload statistics, supporting service development, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.When required, they will participate in specimen handling, processing, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring all procedures meet Health & Safety and infection control requirements.Person specificationFlexibilityEssential criteriaAble to work different shifts if necessaryExperienceEssential criteriaExperience providing trainingExperience doing rostering and annual appraisalsExperience leading a teamExperience as an MLAEducationEssential criteriaEducated to GCSE Level or equivalentRSA I or equivalentDesirable criteriaScience qualifications above GCSE StandardSkillsEssential criteriaAbility to work to deadlinesOrganisational skillsCustomer Care skillsFrimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first.We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities. This includes the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, major expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and the continued transformation of services across our sites. We have already delivered a brand-new £100m state-of-the-art Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m upgrade to maternity services.We are also committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition. Our new hospital and estate developments are being designed to be environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and future-proofed, featuring on-site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Through our green plan, we are embedding sustainable practices across all areas of care and operations, ensuring we reduce our environmental impact while improving population health and wellbeing. Our staff are key to helps us deliver on our ambition and to ensure sustainability is a core component of care delivery and our operations.Alongside estates’ investments, we are embedding a strong focus on digital innovation and quality improvement. Our electronic patient record (Epic), launched in 2024, is already enabling safer, more connected, and more effective care for patients, while giving staff the tools they need to do their best work. Our electronic patient record also supports safe and effective digitised care pathways, savings time and carbon, whilst delivering excellent quality of care.Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together.Apply online now