Sterile Service Trust Decontamination Lead


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£66,582 - £77,368
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Chorley, PR7 1PP
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	20 Aug 2026
Closing date:	2 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Strategic & Professional Leadership Act as the Trust Decontamination Lead (appointed by the Chief Executive via the DIPC, although line manged through the divisional structure of Estates and Facilities). Provide expert advice on decontamination to the Board, Infection Prevention and Control Committee, and clinical/operational services. Ensure Trust compliance with Department of Health, MHRA, Care Quality Commission, ISO and HTM requirements for decontamination. Develop, implement and monitor Trust-wide policies and procedures for decontamination. Maintain professional knowledge of evolving standards, legislation, and best practice in decontamination. Prepare and present an annual report on decontamination compliance to the DIPC/Trust Board. Ensuring that the department is compliant with accrediting and regulating agencies, that formal agreements are in place as required and monitored Operational Management HSDU Provide line management for all staff within the HSDU, including workforce planning, recruitment, appraisal, training, and professional development. Ensure effective operational delivery of sterile services, meeting turnaround, safety and quality requirements for clinical users. Maintain compliance with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, MHRA regulations, and other external accreditation/audit requirements. Ensure all HSDU staff receive ongoing competency-based training in line with national requirements. Monitor and manage HSDU budgets, resources, and equipment replacement programmes within delegated authority. Endoscopy Decontamination Governance Provide professional assurance and governance oversight of endoscope decontamination facilities within the Trust, even where direct line management sits with clinical divisions. Ensure compliance with HTM 01-06, JAG standards, and the Joint Advisory Group audit (JAQ). Lead or contribute to audits, policies, and risk assessments for endoscope decontamination. Estates / Engineering Collaboration Work closely with Estates and Authorised Persons (Decontamination) to ensure validation, water quality, ventilation, and engineering support for decontamination services meet national requirements. Attend and contribute to relevant governance meetings with Estates, Authorising Engineers, and external auditors. Quality, Safety & Governance Ensure robust quality management systems are in place across HSDU and decontamination processes, including audit, incident reporting, and corrective action. Lead investigations into incidents, complaints or failures in sterile services, ensuring lessons learned are embedded. Work closely with the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Team, Estates, and relevant clinical services to manage risks related to decontamination. Ensure all decontamination practices meet statutory, regulatory, and professional standards. Business Continuity & Emergency Planning Lead the development and implementation of business continuity and major incident plans for decontamination services. Ensure contingency arrangements are in place for equipment failure, capacity shortages, or emergencies (e.g. pandemic surge). Participate in Trust emergency planning exercises where decontamination services are involved. Service development Lead continuous improvement of decontamination and sterile service processes to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Contribute to business cases for service development and capital investment in decontamination equipment or facilities. Engage with regional and national networks to benchmark practice and introduce innovation.

Apply for this job