Sands exists to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death receives the support and care they need.
Bereaved parents and families are at the heart of why Sands exists. Sharing their experiences of pregnancy and baby loss, and what connects and involves them with our work, is both an important part of their bereavement journey and a way to demonstrate the need for our vision and mission to succeed. This role will help us to show in a real and human, authentic way, what Sands is doing to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families.
Sharing these personal stories in external communications will help us reach more people, bringing to life the work we do in a way that engages diverse audiences, and increasing the likelihood of their taking actions in support of Sands.
This new role has been developed to support the Communications & Engagement team to develop our story-telling function, build our real stories library and ensure the associated consent and stewardship processes are compassionate, efficient and effective. The Stories Officer will ensure wherever possible, that external communications assets and content created by teams across Sands includes the voices of people touched by pregnancy and baby loss – including those who have been personally affected, and those who are allies of Sands, such as healthcare professionals, corporate partners, research partners, fundraisers and more.
You will have experience of working in a charity stories or communications team, or in a stories-led environment such as journalism.
A good knowledge of compliance and safeguarding issues, including experience of working with vulnerable people in a communications context is required.
With excellent written communication and creative skills, you will be able to produce work that captures and conveys real life experiences in a sensitive and compassionate tone.
You will be highly organised with the ability to multi-task and work across more than one project simultaneously.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job purpose
The Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s Healthcare Services with the Operations Director, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.
At present, the Healthcare Services is a small team with two doctors (GPs) and two physios. Our counsellors are overseen by a Counselling Lead Supervisor and our multi-faith Chaplains are supported by our Lead Chaplain.
We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in driving the strategy for our Healthcare Services with the Director of Operations.
Key responsibilities
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Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.
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Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.
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Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.
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Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.
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Designated safeguarding officer for Healthcare Services.
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Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.
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Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.
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Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.
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Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting staff with clinical decision-making.
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Represent Action for M.E. at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.
Person specification
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A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.
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Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.
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An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
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Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.
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Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.
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A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
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Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
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Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.
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Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.
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An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
Thank you!
Sands exists to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death receives the support and care they need.
This is an exciting role that will rely on a strong combination of excellent organisational and account management skills to support the Partnerships Team’s ambitious fundraising strategy.
You will support the development and management of relationships with external partners, helping to enhance the team’s outreach, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects. This role involves administrative support, stakeholder communication, and event and volunteer coordination to ensure effective partnership engagement and experience.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills and understanding of corporate fundraising by supporting the Partnerships Team to develop and launch an exciting portfolio of corporate products and events, paying close attention to the evolving needs of partners in an ever-increasing digital environment.
You will be involved with flagship events and campaigns such as the globally-recognised Baby Loss Awareness Week, our award-winning Sands United Football Club, Big Give appeals and sector-leading collaborations.
You will also draw upon your expertise and creativity by working on creatives and concepts with the team to increase engagement and further develop communication channels appropriate to a diverse corporate audience.
With experience of managing a corporate partnerships portfolio of at least £75,000, you will have managed corporate fundraisers including Charity of the Year Partnerships, cause-related marketing partnerships and sponsors.
We are looking for someone who has an eye for detail, is able to manage their time effectively and ensure the highest supporter experience. You will need to have strong IT skills including the use of a fundraising database.
This role will also provide support to colleagues within the Income & Engagement Department to optimise income and awareness raising activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.