Child Death Review - Deputy Team LeadNHS

Job summary

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our Child Death Review (CDR) Team as the Deputy Team Lead, with the post commencing in January 2027. This vacancy arises following the planned retirement of the Deputy Lead. We are looking for someone who brings dedication, curiosity, and strong leadership to support the team lead to drive highquality, compassionate Child Death Reviews. The deputy team lead will act in collaboration with Child Death Review (CDR) Team members to fulfil this role across the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of Southend, Essex and Thurrock supporting the lead for the implementation, co-ordination and management of all child death reviews in accordance with Government legislation, Local Safeguarding Childrens Board Policies and SET CDR Procedures.

Main duties of the job

To ensure that multi-agency and strategic partners are engaged at all levels. You will be responsible for ensuring that the SET CDR service provides high quality reports and data returns. You will quality assure the delivery the dissemination of learning from CDOPs and measuring impact on practice across the partnership collaborating with professionals to inform and change practice. You will be highly skilled in providing constructive challenge and support to partner agencies by critically reviewing deaths. Ensure organisational compliance (working with the CDR Team Lead and Designated Dr for CDR in the relevant areas) facilitating the on-going development of an appropriately skilled team whilst providing clinical leadership and support. Lead in the co-ordination and management of Child Death reviews across the county in line with Government legislation and Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and to contribute to the joint agency response processes. To collaborate with Designated and Named Professionals across SET to ensure that there is a consistent and co-ordinated approach to child death review practice across the health economy. Ensure CDR procedures are in place by rota cover so that requests for a joint agency response will be met within 24 hours by the provision of an available Practitioner for 58 hours per week. Advanced training provision for all members of the workforce who are affected by the process. To provide expert up to date advice, training and supervi

Job description

Job overview

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our Child Death Review (CDR) Team as the Deputy Team Lead, with the post commencing in January 2027. This vacancy arises following the planned retirement of the Deputy Lead.

We are looking for someone who brings dedication, curiosity, and strong leadership to support the team lead to drive highquality, compassionate Child Death Reviews.

The deputy team lead will act in collaboration with Child Death Review (CDR) Team members to fulfil this role across the Integrated Care Boards (ICB’s) of Southend, Essex and Thurrock supporting the lead for the implementation, co-ordination and management of all child death reviews in accordance with Government legislation, Local Safeguarding Children’s Board Policies and SET CDR Procedures.

Please note that this role requires regular travel across Southend, Essex and Thurrock and attendance at the base site. This is not a remote-working position.

Main duties of the job

In the managerial role you will support and deputise for the CDR Team Lead (Health).

• To ensure that multi-agency and strategic partners are engaged at all levels.
• You will be responsible for ensuring that the SET CDR service provides high quality reports and data returns.
• You will quality assure the delivery the dissemination of learning from CDOPs and measuring impact on practice across the partnership collaborating with professionals to inform and change practice.
• You will be highly skilled in providing constructive challenge and support to partner agencies by critically reviewing deaths.
• Ensure organisational compliance (working with the CDR Team Lead and Designated Dr for CDR in the relevant areas) facilitating the on-going development of an appropriately skilled team whilst providing clinical leadership and support.
• Lead in the co-ordination and management of Child Death reviews across the county in line with Government legislation and Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and to contribute to the joint agency response processes.
• To collaborate with Designated and Named Professionals across SET to ensure that there is a consistent and co-ordinated approach to child death review practice across the health economy.
• Ensure CDR procedures are in place by rota cover so that requests for a joint agency response will be met within 24 hours by the provision of an available Practitioner for 58 hours per week.
• Advanced training provision for all members of the workforce who are affected by the process. To provide expert up to date advice, training and supervision to appropriate professionals working with children on issues relating to child death review practice.
• The post holder will have an understanding of childcare legislation, information sharing, information governance, confidentiality and consent, and be able to give advice to others on these.
• Promote and facilitate good partnership working with all agencies enabling effective outcomes for children and young people; ensure multi-agency engagement across SET, monitoring and negotiating with partners and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that performance data and supporting evidence for reporting frameworks is maintained.
• Advise the ICB’s where changes in policy and practice are indicated to promote safer practice after a full review of all the information available (including evidence-based research) and making recommendations for improvements.

See attached job description for further information.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Managerial Responsibilities

• Provide a visible and authoritative presence within the CDR (Health) team.
• To influence the management of the CDR team and other resources for the benefit of bereaved families.
• Facilitate effective communication both within and outside the Directorate / Trust involving other agencies and disciplines and maintain good inter professional relationships with all staff.
• Identify future strategic day to day needs and demands of the service based on projected workloads, available statistics and the predicted demographic influences considering the resources of staff and facilities.
• Be supportive in the drive to embed strategic changes and in the creation of a culture that that acknowledges professional trends.
• Provide a supportive and lead role in the recruitment and employment of staff within the CDR team
• Ensure that the Trust’s standards and all statutory guidance in relation to the review of childhood deaths are implemented.
• Attendance at forums where child death issues are discussed
• Ensure all data is accurately recorded on relevant IT systems to inform the work of panels, public health and preventative work of all agencies both locally, regionally and nationally.
• Be able to receive and provide clinical and safeguarding supervision.
• Maintain own clinical expertise and identify any education and training needs that arise as the service develops.
• Support practitioners within the team.
• Analyse national and local data, research and evidence in relation to the child death review and disseminate as appropriate.
• To work with commissioners and provider services to offer a responsive and supportive bereavement network across SET.
• To support in the local resolution of incidents, issues or concerns, providing solutions and where necessary formally investigating incidents, complaints, errors or omissions. Implement the Trust’s disciplinary, grievance and suspension policies as required. Always promote good industrial relations.
• To conduct appraisals and sickness monitoring in line with Trust policy

The post holder will be responsible for managing their own workload, prioritising tasks effectively, and ensuring deadlines are met. They will be expected to work independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to high standards. The role may involve working across multiple sites and requires excellent communication and organisational skills.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.